ALBAWABA - Jerusalem Post reported that Israel, Greece, and Cyprus have finalized a military cooperation framework for 2026, reinforcing a trilateral security partnership in the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to the Israeli military, the agreement was signed last week in Nicosia, with the announcement made public on Sunday. The Israeli delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Amit Adler, head of foreign cooperation in the Israeli armed forces, who met with Greek and Cypriot defense officials to coordinate implementation.
The plan outlines joint military drills, coordinated exercises, and the creation of specialized working groups covering multiple defense sectors. It also establishes a structured strategic dialogue aimed at improving operational coordination and intelligence sharing among the three countries.
Israeli officials say the agreement builds on growing defense ties and reflects a shared interest in maintaining security and stability across the Eastern Mediterranean.
Focus on Turkey
Sources cited by the Jerusalem Post indicated that the agreement is also designed to counter expanding Turkish military and strategic influence in the region.
Greek media reported discussions around forming a rapid-deployment force of approximately 2,500 personnel, including 1,000 troops each from Israel and Greece and 500 from Cyprus. The force would not be permanent but could be activated quickly during regional crises across land, sea, or air.
The initiative reportedly involves Israel’s air force and navy, along with its military foreign relations directorate, and is being coordinated at the governmental level among the three states.
The military agreement coincides with heightened diplomatic activity. Last week, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides visited Israel, where they held a trilateral summit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss regional security developments and defense cooperation.
