On December 22, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Jerusalem for the 10th trilateral summit between the three nations. The meeting, held amid ongoing regional instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, resulted in commitments to deepen cooperation in security, defense, energy, and other sectors. Leaders signed a joint declaration and delivered statements emphasizing stability and prosperity, while subtly addressing perceived threats from regional actors.
During a joint press conference, Netanyahu stated that the three countries had agreed to further enhance their partnership in security and defense matters. "We agreed today to deepen our cooperation in security and defense," he said, adding that the alliance seeks "stability, prosperity, and peace" rather than confrontation with any specific country. Netanyahu expressed hope that "our coalition won’t be tested," underscoring the defensive nature of the pact. He also highlighted ongoing defense collaboration, noting that "the countries are also cooperating in the field of defense, as the enemy is real."
This language aligns closely with reports from multiple outlets confirming the summit's focus on military and security ties. Turkish media outlet Daily Sabah directly quoted Netanyahu on the agreement to "deepen our cooperation in security and defense," while noting the growing Israeli arms supplies to Greece and Cyprus, including advanced missiles, drones, and electronic warfare systems.
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis described the summit as evidence of a resilient partnership, stating: "This is the 10th trilateral meeting of our countries, and this shows the depth of our cooperation that has been tested by time and has proven resilient." He pointed to tangible results in military cooperation, exemplified by increased Israeli arms sales, and called for further advancements in technology sectors. Mitsotakis added that the cooperation "has yielded tangible results and will continue to do so in the future," expressing anticipation for strengthening the trilateral framework.
Cypriot President Christodoulides echoed these sentiments, emphasizing "no limits to the prospects for cooperation" across defense, security, tourism, energy, and economy. He described the three nations as "predictable and reliable" partners in a geopolitically challenging region, where their cooperation has remained steadfast despite security pressures. Christodoulides also highlighted plans for a maritime cybersecurity directorate to be established in Cyprus by 2026.
The summit builds on a decade-long trilateral mechanism that originated from energy discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean but has evolved into a broader strategic alliance. Key discussions included advancing the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), enhancing the "3+1" framework with the United States, and promoting energy projects like the Great Sea Interconnector—a submarine cable linking Israel, Cyprus, and Greece to Europe's grid.
Military cooperation has been a cornerstone of the relationship, particularly amid tensions with Turkey over maritime boundaries, airspace, and Cyprus's division. Israel has become a major arms supplier to both Greece and Cyprus. Recent deals include Greece's approval in December 2025 of a €650-700 million purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel, part of a larger multi-billion-euro modernization effort. Negotiations continue for Israeli air defense systems, including SPYDER, Barak MX, and David's Sling, potentially worth €2-3 billion under Greece's "Achilles Shield" program. Overall Israeli arms sales to Greece and Cyprus since 2022 exceed $3.5 billion.
Joint exercises have also intensified. In November 2025, Israeli and Greek forces conducted combined air and naval drills, while senior air force commanders from all three nations met confidentially in Nicosia to discuss operational coordination. The Israeli military frequently uses Greek and Cypriot territory for training.
While leaders insisted the alliance is not targeted at any nation, Netanyahu's remarks included a pointed message: "To all those who imagine that they will establish their empire and dominate our land, I say forget it. It will not happen." This was interpreted by some Greek media as directed at Turkey's regional ambitions.
The timing of the summit—days before Cyprus assumes the EU Council Presidency in January 2026—adds significance. Christodoulides pledged to advocate for the return of Israeli hostages during Cyprus's tenure and to promote EU-Middle East cooperation through trilateral projects.
Prior bilateral meetings underscored personal ties: Christodoulides met Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who praised Cyprus as a "bridge of peace," while Mitsotakis visited Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah before heading to Jerusalem, balancing Greece's regional diplomacy.
This 10th summit marks the first high-level trilateral since the October 2023 Hamas attacks and subsequent conflicts, signaling continuity despite global tensions. Analysts view it as a counterbalance to shifting dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean, enhancing deterrence through interoperability and shared infrastructure.
The partnership's expansion into cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and energy connectivity reflects a maturing alliance aimed at fostering regional stability. As Christodoulides noted, the framework has achieved "institutional maturity," positioning the three nations as key players in linking Europe with the Middle East.
