George Filis, PhD in geopolitics and professor of geostrategy, analyzes the new dynamic created after the meeting between the Greek Prime Minister and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, during which an upgraded restart of Greek-Israeli relations is evident, with an emphasis now on more operational and combat-oriented cooperation.
The professor points out that Greece is facing a strategic opportunity to strengthen its role in the Eastern Mediterranean and upgrade its geopolitical position through a closer alliance with Israel, particularly in defense, energy, and technology.
The crucial question that arises, as he emphasizes, is whether Athens will be able to respond to this increased role and go the “extra mile” by investing in the necessary strategic and operational capabilities.
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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu met on Sunday to further deepen bilateral military ties.
During the meeting between the two leaders, they “reaffirmed the strategic relationship between Greece and Israel and discussed the further deepening of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of defense,” according to a statement from the Greek Prime Minister’s Office.
“We also want to focus on our economic cooperation, but also on our defense cooperation, which is particularly important for us in Greece,” Mitsotakis emphasized.
While the premiers exchanged views on regional developments, with an emphasis on the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as on the challenges in Syria, Lebanon, and the Red Sea, Mitsotakis underscored the importance of connectivity and energy projects of common interest for regional stability.
“He (Mitsotakis) also noted the need to release the (Israeli) hostages and halt Israeli operations in Gaza,” the statement added.
Netanyahu, for his part, praised the “constantly improving bilateral ties.”
Before Netanyahu, Mitsotakis also met the Israeli President Isaac Herzog as part of his visit.
Emphasizing the importance he attaches to the strategic partnership between the two countries, Mitsotakis expressed hope both for the swift and unconditional release of the Israeli captives held by Hamas and a new ceasefire in Gaza when he made remarks before the start of the meeting with Herzog, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Herzog, for his part, also underlined the importance he attaches to both the relations with Greece and his friendship with Mitsotakis.
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