Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, centre, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, left, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hold a joint press conference after a trilateral meeting at the Citadel of David Hotel in Jerusalem, on December 22, 2025. [Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP]
The leaders of Greece, Israel and Cyprus used a scheduled trilateral summit in Jerusalem to reaffirm political cooperation and send a pointed message to regional rivals, particularly Turkey, which views the format as undermining its interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said the partnership would be maintained at the highest level, stressing resilience amid heightened regional tensions. Netanyahu referred to Turkey, saying the trilateral grouping “does not seek conflict with anyone but rather seeks stability.”
He said the three countries would defend their states and maritime zones under international law and expressed hope that their resolve “will not be tested.” Earlier, Netanyahu cited defense cooperation, saying “the threats are real.” Alluding to Turkey, he declared post-summit: “To those who fantasize they can reestablish their empires over our lands, forget it.” He affirmed: “We are committed and able to defend ourselves and our cooperation further enhances that capability.”
Mitsotakis underscored the importance of the partnership for security and stability for the three countries and the broader Eastern Mediterranean. He said the region has entered a new geopolitical era with increased challenges and opportunities.
The meeting also allowed coordination days before Netanyahu’s planned visit to US President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago on December 29, where talks are expected to include Turkey. The leaders emphasized the “3+1” framework involving Greece, Cyprus, Israel and the US, an effort to keep Washington engaged, a format Ankara has opposed.
Netanyahu has opposed Turkey’s return to the F-35 fighter jet program, a stance Ankara sees as evidence of coordination between Greece and Israel.
Turkey’s irritation was underscored by seven violations of Greek national airspace in the northeastern Aegean, between Lesvos and Limnos, involving a maritime patrol ATR-72 and two armed Turkish F-16s intercepted by the Greek air force. The incidents followed the first mock dogfight in three years last Friday between Greek and Turkish F-16s and warnings from Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler over Greek plans to deploy Israeli-made weapons on Aegean islands.