Israeli Ambassador to Greece Noam Katz reaffirmed the strong and expanding strategic partnership between Greece and Israel, rooted in shared democratic values and mutual regional interests, during an interview with Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) at the 10th Delphi Economic Forum.
In his conversation with journalist Nikos Drossos, Ambassador Katz emphasised that the bilateral relationship spans every level of society—from government and defence cooperation to business ties and civil society exchanges. “Our partnership is based on values, common interests, and a shared perception of the region,” he said. “In recent years, and especially since 2010, our ties have deepened and expanded across nearly every sector.”
Katz acknowledged that regional instability has posed temporary obstacles, but stressed that both nations remain committed to cooperation, including with Cyprus and other pragmatic forces in the Middle East. He pointed to the shared desire for peace and stability in a region marked by growing uncertainty and shifting alliances.
The ambassador discussed the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hamas, extending to Iranian-backed groups, noting that Israel is emerging stronger but remains vigilant against destabilizing actors. “We have been at war for a year and a half—a war imposed on us by Hamas. Strategically, we’ve managed to push back Iran and its proxies, but the region still faces major threats,” Katz said.
He criticised Turkey’s role in the region, accusing it of supporting radical Sunni groups and playing a destabilizing role in Syria. “From our perspective, Turkey is not acting constructively at this time. We hope this changes, but for now, the situation remains concerning,” he added.
On energy cooperation, Katz highlighted the importance of the Great Sea Interconnector project, which will link the electricity grids of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. He called the project both economically and geopolitically significant, as it represents a tangible step toward regional integration and energy security.
Regarding developments in Syria, Katz welcomed the fall of the Assad regime, describing it as a setback for Iran’s regional ambitions. However, he warned that the new leadership—a coalition with jihadist origins—poses risks of its own. “Radical elements cannot be judged by their appearances alone,” he cautioned, emphasising the need to protect Syria’s minority communities, including Kurds, Druze, Christians, and Alawites.
On Gaza, Katz reiterated Israel’s unwavering war aims: the release of hostages, the dismantling of Hamas’ military and political infrastructure, and the elimination of threats to Israeli civilians. “If Hamas disarms and its leadership leaves Gaza, we can begin discussing the future. If not, the war will continue until our goals are achieved,” he said.
The interview offered a candid look into Israel’s strategic outlook and its expectations for cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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