**JERUSALEM** – In a significant display of evolving regional diplomacy, the leaders of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel convened in Jerusalem for a trilateral summit, solidifying burgeoning cooperation across critical sectors including energy, defence, and economic development. The high-level meeting, attended by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscored a shared commitment to regional stability and a coordinated approach to emerging geopolitical challenges. A key outcome of the discussions was Cyprus' pledge to leverage its upcoming European Union Council Presidency to advocate for improved Israel-EU relations, signalling a concerted effort to bolster Israel's image within the bloc.
The summit's agenda was densely packed, with leaders prioritising the finalisation of several ambitious projects. Foremost among these were the intricate details surrounding natural gas exploration and the ambitious Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, an underwater electricity cable designed to link the power grids of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. The participants tentatively agreed on a resolution for natural gas field management by January 2026, a crucial step towards unlocking the region's energy potential. Furthermore, the economic viability of the GSI was re-evaluated, with a proposal to commence its construction from the Cyprus-Israel segment, deemed more manageable in terms of scale and cost, gaining traction. The potential integration of the GSI with the broader India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was also explored, hinting at a more interconnected Eurasian economic landscape.
Beyond energy infrastructure, defence and security formed a substantial pillar of the talks. Israel expressed keen interest in Cyprus' potential acquisition of military hardware, while discussions also encompassed collaborative ventures between Israeli and Cypriot enterprises to secure funding from EU programmes, particularly focusing on the EU Safe initiative. The prospect of integrating Lebanon into the IMEC network was raised, underscoring a broader vision for regional connectivity. Concerns regarding regional security, particularly in relation to Iran and the activities of groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, were articulated by Israel, with implicit reference to Turkey's influence in certain areas. Cyprus, in turn, is undertaking an assessment of military equipment for its National Guard and is actively considering joint military exercises with Israel, further deepening defence ties. Israel's participation in Cyprus' nascent EU centre for fire safety was also mooted, alongside plans for a maritime cybersecurity centre and enhanced cooperation concerning the Gaza Strip.
Cyprus is strategically positioning itself as a vital European logistics and security hub, a role that will be amplified during its EU Council Presidency. The summit produced five concrete commitments with stipulated implementation timelines up to 2026. President Christodoulides presented a multifaceted approach to the Gaza crisis, encompassing humanitarian aid, security considerations, and post-conflict reconstruction, citing the Amalthea Humanitarian Corridor as a successful operational model. The revival and enhancement of the "3+1" cooperation framework, which includes the United States, was also a significant talking point, particularly in anticipation of Prime Minister Netanyahu's forthcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump. Discussions with the US Congress focused on bolstering parliamentary cooperation in counterterrorism and maritime security. The overarching trilateral mechanism now encompasses a wide array of areas, from energy and economics to defence, cybersecurity, and crisis management, injecting significant political impetus into critical interconnection projects.
However, this burgeoning cooperation has not gone unnoticed by regional rivals. Turkish media outlets have reacted with strong condemnation, labelling the summit an "anti-Turkish alliance" and an "alliance of evil." Reports in Turkish newspapers have characterised the collaboration as a military pact, alleging the deployment of Israeli anti-aircraft systems in Cyprus and potential similar deployments in Greece. These reports have also highlighted substantial Greek defence procurement from Israel, including missile systems and the acquisition of Hellenic Vehicle Industries, as well as the modernisation of military training facilities by Elbit. While the Cypriot Ministry of Defence has sought to downplay characterisations of a Turkish-focused military alliance, the heightened rhetoric underscores the delicate geopolitical balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus' recent agreement on delimiting its exclusive economic zone with Lebanon on November 26, a move that bolsters regional energy security, further solidifies its proactive stance. The summit's outcomes demonstrate a clear strategic alignment, aiming to foster a more secure and interconnected Eastern Mediterranean, while simultaneously navigating a complex and often contentious regional landscape.