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Ioannis Baltzoi*

What finally happened and what was said and even more what was agreed, if agreed, and was not announced for security reasons during the Trilateral Summit (SS) of Greece - Cyprus - Israel, which took place on December 22, 2025 in Jerusalem? From what was known, it was that the Summit had as its central axes strengthening cooperation in the areas of security, defense, energy and regional stability, and resulted in several agreements and joint commitments, according to Israel's INSS (Institute for National Security Studies). The summits of the three countries are held with varying frequency, from once to twice a year, depending on developments. The current meeting was the first after the events of October 7, 2023 and symbolized that, following the ceasefire in Gaza and Trump's 20-point plan, the trilateral ties between the countries are returning to their pre-war trajectory.

What was agreed?

The energy sector was the dominant topic in previous summits, so this time too, the leaders discussed the issue of the undersea electricity cable between Greece, Cyprus and Israel, including its connection to the planned commercial and not only Corridor initiative. India-Middle East-Europe (IMEC). The three countries present their relations as not being directed against third parties, but an indirect reference to Turkey was evident, making clear the intention to increase military cooperation between them.

In accordance with INSS , oThe areas discussed were:

 A. Strengthening strategic and defense cooperation, by deepening trilateral cooperation in the field of security and defense, including joint military exercises, joint training, information exchange and strengthening capabilities to address modern threats.

B. Energy cooperation and infrastructure with  cooperation in energy sector, in particular the promotion of the electricity interconnection project and potential energy routes between Israel, Cyprus and Greece, as well as the American-inspired and supported IMEC trade corridor, strengthening energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean and at the same time the connection with Europe.

C. Joint Declaration and stability in the region, since the Eastern Mediterranean region is in a critical geopolitical phase and they pledged to work together to promote stability, security and cooperation.

D. Counter-terrorism & maritime security, with coordinated actions against terrorism, protection of shipping lanes and strengthening security at sea

E. Organization of annual meetings and ministerial collaborations.

 St. Geostrategic message of unity and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean

Behind the Announcements.

            According to the newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth", in an article by Itamar Eichner, entitled "The harsh messages to Erdogan and the "wall" that Israel is building to deter Turkey," Among other things, it is reported that Israel, Greece and Cyprus are building a security "wall" against Turkey. Thus, it is considered certain by many analysts that the main issue of the SC that was given special emphasis was the security aspect: That is, the creation of a "wall" of protection against Turkey. The discussion between the countries is how to create such a triangle (Rhodes-Crete, Cyprus, Israel) that can prevent Turkey from implementing its intentions of complete control in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean and that nothing can be done in the region without its participation or approval. The intention of the three countries is joint training, exercises, coordination and sending a clear message to the Turks. In fact, Mr. Netanyahu referred to Turkey, without naming it: "Those who dream of empires in the region, better forget it". And here it should be briefly mentioned that publications in the Greek and Israeli press, such as in NEA and Israel Hayom, where it is stated that a mixed Rapid Intervention Force, at the level of a Brigade of 2.500 men with the necessary means (1.000 Greeks, 1.000 Israelis, 500 Cypriots, with a Greek air force squadron, an Israeli air force squadron and at its disposal ships, infrastructure in Rhodes or Karpathos, Cyprus and Israel) is being planned.

The publication notes that a senior Israeli official stated that the level of cooperation between Israel and Greece has been very high over the years and that it is at the level of close dialogue and joint exercises. Every year, about 40 joint exercises, training sessions, information exchange meetings, etc. are held between Greece and Israel. There is always room for expansion and deepening, but what was announced in Greece regarding a rapid reaction force does not exist..

A report by the Hebrew-language news website "mako.co.il", entitled "Maritime dispute, historical enmity and the battle for influence in Syria: interests vis-à-vis Turkey" by Tomer Almagor, states that Israel sees an alliance with Greece and Cyprus as an opportunity to create an alternative axis that will aim to limit Turkey's influence in the Middle East.

Also, Professor Mr. Sotiris Serbos, political advisor to the Greek Prime Minister, stated on the N12 television channel that Greece is interested in becoming a much more active and involved player in the Middle East, as part of a new strategy – including a willingness to send troops to Gaza and consider creating a joint military force with Israel and Cyprus. Cyprus wants to get closer to Israel and the US, to receive security assistance, although it already enjoys security agreements with Israel.

Greece in Gaza.

Israel is encouraging Greece to take an active role in the future of the Gaza Strip and the two countries are tightening their ties in an effort to reduce Turkey’s sphere of influence in the eastern Mediterranean, according to a reliable Israeli source."Greece has expressed its willingness to join the "next day" plan for Gaza, which is also of interest to us, starting from the International Stabilization Force, to other aspects. Israel wants a Greek presence in a future force in the Strip.", the source added, noting that specific details have not yet been agreed upon. "Greece would be willing to participate. I don't see it sending combat forces, but auxiliary forces of some kind, like Engineers, could be an option.", the source stated. And the news about Greek participation in the stabilization force in Gaza was also confirmed by the advisor to the Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Serbos, saying: ""All countries involved in the process, first and foremost Israel, but also other key players, prefer Greek participation. It is very important for Israel to determine who will participate in the future force in the region and under what mandate." and clarified that the relationship between Israel and Greece is «vital for neutralizing the Blue Homeland doctrine of Turkey and anyone seeking to expand in the region».

Epilogue

The conclusion is that the December 22 Summit was a historic meeting, according to the Israeli media, where the close relations of friendship and cooperation between the two historical peoples of Greece and Israel were confirmed, who will work closely and in coordination in the energy sector, by promoting two important axes, the Greece-Cyprus-Israel DSI electrical interconnection cable and the new IMEC (India Middle East Corridor) trade corridor, which ends in ports in Greece and perhaps in Italy. Regarding the joint Rapid Intervention Force, a brigade of 2.500 men from Greece, Israel, and Cyprus, nothing has been mentioned so far. What is certain is that it was discussed by the three leaders and is believed to be in planning, and for understandable reasons, nothing related has yet been announced until it is completed.

*Ioannis Ath. Baltzoi is an ant (e.g.), with M.Scin Geopolitics of the National University of Athens, former AKAM Tel Aviv, president of EL.I.S.M.E.