Israel Eyes Military Support from Greece, Greek Cypriots: Report

Tensions escalate in the Mediterranean as Israel seeks allies amid conflict with Palestinians

Tel Aviv, August 5, 2024 - Amid the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians, Israel is reportedly looking to its "close" ally in the Mediterranean for potential military support, according to a report in the Greek daily Kathimerini.

Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev was quoted as saying that Israel would seek military assistance from Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration if it is attacked. This comes as Iran vowed "severe punishment" for Israel following the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.

The reported remarks by the Israeli minister have once again placed Greece and the Republic of Cyprus at the forefront of the Middle East conflict, just months after a joint air exercise between Greek and Israeli forces south of Crete, which was seen as a "rehearsal" for Israel's recent attack in Yemen.

However, a senior government source in the republic of Cyprus has stated that they have no intention of providing military aid to Israel or any other state.

The escalating tensions in the region have also alarmed the Turkish Cypriots, who have voiced concerns over the increased military activity in the south. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar accused the Republic of Cyprus of endangering the island's 50-year peace period by becoming a logistical base serving Western interests. It's worth noting that the TRNC is only recognized by Turkey.

The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has already claimed the lives of around 40,000 Palestinians since Israel's brutal onslaught on the Gaza Strip that began in October last year. The situation remains volatile, with the latest escalation following Haniyeh's assassination in Iran.