Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued his first public remarks on Israel's landmark defense export agreement with Greece, characterizing the deal as validation of a decade-long strategy to forge regional partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu linked the air defense system sale, among the largest in Israeli history, directly to the trilateral alliance Israel established with Greece and Cyprus approximately ten years ago.
"The defense agreement signed today with Greece, one of the largest in the state's history, is a direct continuation of the Eastern Mediterranean alliance we forged a decade ago with Greece and Cyprus," Netanyahu said. He added that the deal "constitutes further proof of the tremendous capabilities of Israel's defense and technology industries."
The prime minister framed the agreement as evidence of Israel's growing regional influence, stating: "This move reflects Israel's strength, the confidence in our defense exports, and the strengthening of regional alliances."
The timing of the Greek deal is notable given escalating friction between Israel and Turkey, Greece's historic rival. Turkey has recently intensified regional pressure through increased air incursions into Greek airspace and heightened confrontations with Israel in Syrian territory.
