Greece's alliance with Israel is becoming a domestic liability

Greece's alliance with Israel is becoming a domestic liability, according to growing dissent over military contracts, exorbitant rents, and Israel's ongoing Gaza war. Greece perceives Israel as a critical partner and tourist destination, though this relationship is strained by mounting public anger. Last week, Israel issued a rare warning to Greek citizens to conceal their nationality during pro-Palestinian protests, reflecting the complexity of the alliance.

Rising rents, often attributed to Israeli property ownership, have fueled resentment, as have public jeers at pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's close ties with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu have further exacerbated tensions. Former deputy defense minister Konstantinos Isychos argues that developing relations with Israel is a "double suicide," as it could set a dangerous precedent for future genocides.

A Pew Research poll found that 65% of Greeks oppose the partnership, though many see it as necessary due to perceived Turkish expansionism. On the streets, pro-Palestinian protests far outnumber pro-Israeli gatherings, with opposition increasingly linked to Athens' spending on Israeli weapons and surveillance technology. This backlash is also affecting Israelis, who once saw Greece as a desirable escape from their own country's issues.

Nearly 100,000 Israelis left Greece in 2025, citing high living costs and constant missile threats. The partnership, which began with discreet military cooperation, has evolved into a strategic alliance, with Greece and Cyprus providing access to the European Union and a Lebanon-facing naval base for Israel.