Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned unnamed regional powers on Tuesday against pursuing “dreams of empires,” as Israel and Greece stepped up military cooperation amid heightened tensions involving Iran and Turkey.
Speaking alongside Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens, Katz said Israel was on high alert for a range of potential security scenarios, an apparent reference to the standoff with Iran, while also cautioning against efforts to destabilise the region through proxies or military pressure.
“Any state actor seeking to undermine regional stability by terror, aggression or military proxies – whether in Syria, Gaza, the Aegean or elsewhere – should abandon such ambitions,” Katz said, without naming specific countries.
Israel and Greece said they had made progress on expanding intelligence-sharing, joint military drills and operational coordination during the talks, according to defence officials.
The meeting comes amid growing concern in Israel and Greece over Turkey’s expanding military and diplomatic footprint in the eastern Mediterranean, Syria and Libya, as well as Iran’s role in Gaza and elsewhere in the region.
Israeli, Greek and Cypriot officials have in recent months discussed the possible creation of a trilateral rapid-response force, sources familiar with the matter said. The proposed force, still at a preliminary planning stage, would be designed for rapid deployment in air, sea or land crises and would not be permanently stationed.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen deterrence and deepen strategic cooperation among the three countries, amid rising regional tensions.
Israel has conducted several joint naval and air force exercises with Greece and Cyprus in recent years. Greek media have reported that Israel’s Spike NLOS long-range missile system is being integrated into the Hellenic Army, with full operational capability expected by next year.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides visited Israel last month for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while senior military and security officials from the three countries have held multiple coordination meetings since November.
Analysts say the expanding defence cooperation is closely watched by Ankara, which has sought to increase its influence in the eastern Mediterranean through military deployments, maritime agreements and diplomatic initiatives.
Turkey has also been invited to participate in a U.S.-backed “Board of Peace” initiative related to Gaza, while holding talks with rival Libyan factions over potential maritime arrangements, moves that could reshape regional power dynamics.
Israel says its cooperation with Greece and Cyprus is defensive in nature and aimed at maintaining regional stability.