Greek premier, leaning into Israeli defense cooperation, courts Arab states as well

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece spoke at the international trade fair in Thessaloniki on September 5, 2026. Greece intends to continue its strategic defense cooperation with Israel, while also aiming to strengthen ties with other Middle Eastern nations, the Prime Minister stated on Sunday. Over the past ten years, Israel-Greece defense, security, and energy cooperation has deepened significantly.

Mitsotakis maintains a cordial relationship with his counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. Their partnership has been reinforced by common concerns over Turkey. The two countries signed a €3 billion ($3.5 billion) agreement on August 31, under which Israel will construct an air defense system in Greece. When asked about Greece's status among NATO members, Mitsotakis noted that Athens is one of only five countries spending at least 3.5% of its GDP on core defense, a figure fueled by longstanding tensions with Turkey.

Greece maintains that only the delineation of maritime zones and their resolution through negotiation or international arbitration is a matter worth discussing. Regarding the U.S. President Donald Trump's intention to sell F-35 multirole combat aircraft to Turkey, Mitsotakis stated that he would not advise the U.S., but acknowledged legal hurdles due to Turkey's sanctions for acquiring the S-400 air defense system from Russia.

The first 20 F-35s are expected to arrive in Greece by late 2028, with an option to purchase an additional 20. Mitsotakis also announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia soon, emphasizing that the recent Mecca Joint Defense Agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey does not alter Greece's relationship with Riyadh.