Key Developments

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Sunday, September 6, 2026, articulated Greece's strategic foreign policy, emphasizing a dual approach: strengthening ties with Israel while also deepening relations with Arab states in the Middle East. His remarks followed a speech at Thessaloniki's international trade fair.

Greece's relationship with Israel has significantly deepened over the past decade, marked by close cooperation in defense, security, and energy. This alliance is bolstered by a friendly rapport between Mitsotakis and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and shared concerns regarding Turkey. A recent €3 billion ($3.5 billion) deal, signed on August 31, further solidifies this partnership, with Israel set to construct an air defense shield in Greece.

Mitsotakis highlighted Greece's robust defense spending, noting it is one of only five NATO countries dedicating at least 3.5% of its GDP to core defense. This high expenditure is largely driven by ongoing tensions with Turkey, particularly concerning Greek sovereignty over parts of the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece maintains that only maritime zone demarcation is an issue for negotiation or international arbitration.

Regarding the potential U.S. sale of F-35 multirole combat aircraft to Turkey, Mitsotakis stated he would not dictate U.S. policy but pointed out existing legal obstacles for Turkey due to its S-400 air defense system purchase from Russia. Greece is scheduled to receive its first 20 F-35s in late 2028, with an option for an additional 20.

To expand engagement with Arab countries, Mitsotakis announced plans for an upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia. He clarified that the recently concluded Mecca Joint Defense Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey would not alter Greece's relations with Riyadh. Greece has maintained an air defense battery in Saudi Arabia since 2021, utilizing its Patriot missiles four times since July to intercept alleged Yemen-launched drones and ballistic missiles targeting the kingdom’s oil refineries. Furthermore, Mitsotakis is scheduled to visit Cairo on Tuesday for discussions with Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi.

Key Takeaways

  • Greece is pursuing a balanced, multi-faceted foreign policy, strengthening strategic defense cooperation with Israel while actively seeking to deepen relations with key Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
  • The country maintains a high level of defense spending and is modernizing its military capabilities, including the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets and a new air defense shield from Israel, partly in response to regional tensions.
  • Prime Minister Mitsotakis is actively engaging in regional diplomacy, with planned visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, demonstrating Greece's commitment to its role as a security provider and partner in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

Why It Matters

Greece's articulated foreign policy signifies its ambition to be a pivotal security actor in the volatile Eastern Mediterranean and broader Middle East. By simultaneously cultivating strong defense ties with Israel and expanding diplomatic and security engagement with Arab states, Athens aims to diversify its partnerships and enhance its strategic autonomy. This approach is crucial for navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, securing energy routes, and addressing regional challenges, including those posed by its traditional rival, Turkey. The emphasis on defense modernization and active diplomacy underscores Greece's commitment to protecting its national interests and contributing to regional stability.