Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis Meets Israeli President Herzog in Jerusalem

Jerusalem, March 30, 2025 – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog today in Jerusalem, marking a significant diplomatic engagement amid ongoing tensions in the region.

The meeting, held on the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, underscored the strong strategic partnership between Greece and Israel while addressing pressing humanitarian and security concerns. In their opening remarks, both leaders highlighted the plight of hostages held in Gaza and the need for international cooperation.

President Herzog welcomed Mitsotakis, emphasizing Greece’s longstanding friendship with Israel. “You are a dear friend of mine and of the State of Israel,” Herzog said. He drew attention to the dire situation of hostages in Gaza, describing “disturbing reports” of their health amid “barbaric treatment” by Hamas. Herzog called their release an “ethical imperative” and urged the international community to act decisively. “We hope sincerely that today, which is Eid al-Fitr… it is time for them to release them all as a sign of the blessing of this holiday,” he added.

Herzog also referenced a shared tragedy, mentioning the Karousis family, whose son, Jonas, was killed in a terrorist attack in Jaffa. “Their lives are connected to both Israel and Greece,” he noted, thanking Mitsotakis for meeting Jonas’s parents and supporting efforts to combat terrorism.

In response, Prime Minister Mitsotakis expressed gratitude for Herzog’s warm reception and reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to its partnership with Israel. “We attach great importance to the strategic partnership between Greece and Israel,” he said. Mitsotakis joined Herzog in calling for the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” and voiced hope for a ceasefire in Gaza. “I sincerely hope that as soon as possible, there will be a new ceasefire… accompanied by a framework that will allow us all to think about the day after,” he added.

Mitsotakis also addressed the loss of Jonas Karousis, offering condolences on behalf of the Greek people. He revealed plans for a scholarship program in Jonas’s honor, aimed at fostering educational ties between Greek and Israeli students. “I think it’s the least we can do to honor his memory,” he said.

The visit comes at a time of heightened regional instability, with Israel conducting military operations to secure the release of hostages. Mitsotakis’s trip includes further discussions with Israeli leadership, signaling continued collaboration between the two nations on security, humanitarian, and diplomatic fronts.