Deputy FM Haskel in Athens: Israel-Greece alliance expanding in energy, trade

Israeli Deputy Minister Sharren Haskel says relations between Israel and Greece are “flourishing” following a three-day visit to Athens focused on diplomacy and bilateral economic affairs.

During the visit, Haskel met senior Greek officials, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandra Papadopoulou, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy Harry Theoharis, and alternate Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis. She also delivered keynote speeches at the Maritime MED Conference and the East Med Energy Transition Summit in Athens.

The aim of the visit, Haskel told The Jerusalem Post, was to further strengthen the already close alliance between Greece and Israel, which she described as expanding across energy, trade, and strategic cooperation. She stressed that Jerusalem views the emergent India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) trade corridor as a “cornerstone for global economic stability.”

“Recent months have proven beyond a doubt that we cannot rely on trade routes or energy sectors that are vulnerable to radical and irresponsible actors,” Haskel assessed, referring to the Iranian regime’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.

“Dependency on hostile coalitions is a tangible danger to the entire free world. The GSI project and our tight strategic alliance with Greece and Cyprus are game-changers,” she added.

Haskel said Israel has emerged as a robust energy hub that will “serve as a critical pillar of Europe’s energy security,” particularly as European states seek alternatives following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. She added that Mediterranean natural gas deposits present an opportunity to diversify Europe’s energy supply portfolio.

Haskel also met with leaders of the Jewish community in Athens.

“The Jewish community is absolutely incredible… they’re combating challenges to make sure that what’s happening in Europe will not happen in Greece,” she said, while acknowledging concerns over rising antisemitism since the Hamas attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Haskel reportedly presented Greek officials with “Silenced No More,” a 300-page detailed report documenting Hamas' crimes against Israeli women and children, including systematic sexual violence.

Looking more broadly at regional dynamics, Israel’s growing alignment with Greece and Cyprus has developed in parallel with tensions involving Turkey.

Last December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted a trilateral summit in Jerusalem with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, highlighting deepening cooperation among the three countries.

Netanyahu has previously criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s regional ambitions, while affirming Israel’s commitment to defending its strategic partnerships in the eastern Mediterranean.

“To those who fantasize they can reestablish their empires and their dominion over our lands, I say: 'Forget it. It's not going to happen. Don’t even think about it.' We are committed and able to defend ourselves and our cooperation further enhances that capability,” Netanyahu stated.