Israel, Greece, Cyprus Deepen Defense Ties, Reject Türkiye–Libya Maritime Deal

Israel’s Ministry of Defense said the three defense ministries met in Athens on Nov. 5. Heads of defense policy and senior officials took part.

They agreed to explore joint development and production of weapons, along with technology exchanges between their defense industries.

The ministry called defense cooperation a central pillar of the trilateral partnership.

Industrial Working Group Proposed

The sides propose a trilateral defense industrial working group, according to the ministry.

Its stated purpose is to strengthen collective capabilities, improve interoperability and reinforce the industrial foundations of the security partnership.

They also stress partnerships among their respective defense industries.

Türkiye–Libya Memorandum Rejected

The three ministries reaffirm their rejection of the 2019 memorandum between Türkiye and Libya’s Government of National Accord. The agreement delimits maritime jurisdiction areas in the Mediterranean.

It “infringes upon the sovereign rights of third States,” the statement said.

It also “disregards international norms that govern maritime jurisdiction,” according to the statement. The ministries add that it “cannot produce any legal consequences for third States.”

Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives ratified the memorandum on Oct. 20.

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said the same day that the memorandum has been in force since 2019. It said the deal protects Turkish and Libyan rights under international law.

Cyprus, Sea Lanes and Energy

The sides reaffirm support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, citing relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.

They oppose unilateral claims, coercion, threats of force and destabilizing military build-ups. No country in the region should serve as a platform for actions threatening regional security, the statement said.

The ministries call energy cooperation a pillar of regional stability and oppose attempts to obstruct it contrary to international law.

Freedom of navigation and protection of critical infrastructure and energy supply routes also feature in the statement.

Wider Security Agenda

The talks cover regional security assessments and maritime security, including protection of vital sea lanes. Disaster preparedness, response and civil protection also feature.

The sides name terrorism, proliferation of advanced weapons and destabilizing activity by state and non-state actors as shared challenges. They agree to enhance coordination against emerging threats.

Practical steps include professional exchanges, joint initiatives and regular dialogue among the relevant authorities.

Building on the Jerusalem Summit

The meeting builds on the Joint Declaration adopted at the leaders’ summit in Jerusalem on Dec. 22, 2025. The statement recalls the leaders’ invitation to other like-minded partners.

After the summit, military staffs signed a 2026 trilateral work plan covering exercises, training and strategic dialogue.

Procurement Ties

In August 2026, Greece signed its Achilles Shield multi-layer air-defense program with Israel. The package is valued at about €3 billion to €3.5 billion and includes David’s Sling, Barak MX and SPYDER systems.

The deal has also drawn a dispute over whether source code is part of the package. Israel confirms it is not.

In October, Cyprus signed a deal for a second offshore patrol vessel from Israel Shipyards, fitted with Rafael naval systems.