Greece‑Israel strategic partnership

In July 2026 a Greek public opinion poll showed Israel ranked as the country’s second‑most‑favoured ally after France, reflecting broad popular backing for a partnership that began with secret diplomatic talks in 2010 and now spans political, defence, economic, energy, technology and cultural cooperation. Greek officials emphasized an independent stance toward Turkey while highlighting the alliance’s strategic value.

A week later Greek parliamentary speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis met outgoing Israeli ambassador Noam Katz and framed the Greece‑Israel relationship as an “anchor of stability” for the Eastern Mediterranean. The discussion expanded the cooperation into a trilateral security framework that also includes Cyprus. Greece’s Supreme Council for Defence and National Security approved the €3.5 billion “Achilles’ Shield” programme, linking Greek, Cypriot and Israeli air‑defence systems such as Patriot, David’s Sling, Barak MX, Spyder and the ELM‑2084 radar, with a 25 % production share for the Greek defence industry. Turkish officials criticised the initiative, claiming it disrupts the regional balance. The snapshots together trace the partnership’s move from strong public support to concrete, high‑value defence integration involving a broader regional coalition.