Not just vacations: The country that became one of Israel's partners

An opinion piece in Maariv argues that Greece has become one of Israel's most important strategic partners, far beyond tourism. The author reviews defense cooperation (an international pilot training center in Kalamata, joint air exercises), civilian aid (firefighting aircraft in summer 2023), tourism (a meeting in September 2026), energy, and innovation. The article presents the trilateral partnership with Cyprus as a counterweight to Turkey and Iran, emphasizing responsible deterrence and regional stability.

An opinion piece in Maariv argues that Greece has become one of Israel's most important partners, far beyond tourism ties. The author, David Ben Basat, reviews the depth of defense cooperation: the international pilot training center in Kalamata, operated by Elbit Systems, joint air exercises (including an exercise in September 2023), and the trilateral military cooperation program with Cyprus for 2026. The article also notes civilian aid, such as sending firefighting aircraft to Greece in summer 2023, and cooperation in tourism (a meeting between the Greek tourism minister and the Israeli ambassador in September 2026), energy, water, and innovation. The article presents the trilateral partnership with Cyprus and cooperation with the US as a counterweight to pressures in the Eastern Mediterranean, amid disputes with Turkey and the Iranian threat. The author emphasizes that Greece pursues an independent policy and the relationship is not a threat, but responsible deterrence. The article praises the work of Ambassador Solomo and calls for fostering the partnership with mutual respect.