Greek and Israeli naval forces have conducted a joint military exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean, a development likely to draw attention in Türkiye amid Ankara’s repeated calls for cooperation and dialogue in the strategically sensitive region.

Two Greek frigates and two Israeli missile boats participated in the exercise several days ago, according to Greek newspaper Kathimerini. The drill reportedly involved “operational scenarios with a high degree of difficulty” and was described by the newspaper as “highly symbolic.”

The exercise focused on identifying and responding to maritime threats, conducting search-and-rescue operations and managing emergencies. According to the report, the activities were intended to improve interoperability and operational cooperation between the Greek and Israeli naval forces.

While Athens and Tel Aviv have presented their military cooperation in operational terms, the decision to conduct a naval exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean comes against the backdrop of longstanding regional disputes and competing maritime interests.

For Türkiye, the Eastern Mediterranean remains an area where military activities and strategic alignments can have broader implications for regional stability. Ankara has repeatedly argued that the sea should serve as a platform for cooperation rather than confrontation and has called on regional countries to avoid actions that could increase tensions.

Following a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis in June, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of avoiding steps that could undermine regional stability or be directed against Türkiye.

Türkiye has also consistently advocated dialogue to resolve disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean and has objected to initiatives that it considers capable of deepening divisions or creating new sources of tension.

The latest Greek-Israeli naval exercise comes as military and strategic cooperation between Greece and Israel has expanded in recent years. Against this backdrop, the drill is likely to be closely watched in Ankara, particularly given Türkiye’s emphasis on preventing the Eastern Mediterranean from becoming an arena for military rivalry.

The exercise once again highlights the increasingly complex security environment in the Eastern Mediterranean, where cooperation among some countries is developing alongside unresolved disagreements over maritime boundaries, energy resources and regional security. (ILKHA)