Eastern Mediterranean tensions rise over maritime disputes and energy projects

Geopolitical tensions are rising in the Eastern Mediterranean regarding maritime jurisdiction and energy infrastructure. The Crete-Cyprus electricity interconnection (GSI) project remains a focal point, with Athens maintaining its original route despite Turkish pressure to reroute the cable to avoid a Turkish-declared maritime park near Kastellorizo. Officials note that the planned cable route already passes miles south of the disputed area.

Simultaneously, Israeli intelligence services, specifically the Aman military intelligence unit, are closely monitoring the “Libyan corridor” created by the 2019 maritime jurisdiction agreement between Turkey and the Tripoli-based government in Libya. Israel views this memorandum as a strategic challenge to regional energy security and maritime stability. The agreement, which Turkey uses to assert influence in North Africa and the Mediterranean, continues to be contested by Greece and Cyprus on the grounds that it violates international maritime law and ignores the rights of islands.