Greece - From Enemy to Ally

Greece has transformed from a hostile country to one of Israel's most important strategic partners. Surveys show a sharp decline in antisemitism and a shift in public attitudes, especially among the Greek right. The article reviews the diplomatic and public process that began after the 2010 Mavi Marmara crisis and describes the trilateral security alliance with Cyprus.

Greece has transformed from a hostile country to Israel to one of its most important strategic partners, and the change is no longer limited to government corridors. The turnaround began after the 2010 Mavi Marmara crisis, which distanced Israel from Turkey and brought it closer to Greece, and strengthened with the establishment of the trilateral Israel-Greece-Cyprus framework in 2016. A 2025 ADL survey found a nearly 20% drop in antisemitic attitudes in Greece, and a March PEW survey found that the Greek right is the most pro-Israel political camp among the countries surveyed. The article quotes Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis and Immigration Minister Thanos Plevris, both with a past in the far right, calling for deepening ties. In contrast, the far left in both countries opposes the rapprochement. A July survey found that 42.2% of Greeks see Israel as an ally.

Greece - From Enemy to Ally