Place:Cyprus-Greece-Israel trilateral alliance

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Short description: 2010s strategic partnership in the Eastern Mediterranean

An alliance between Cyprus, Greece and Israel started in the early 2010s, focusing on a partnership in areas such as energy cooperation, security, military collaboration, and economic relations. It has grown in importance due to shared regional interests, mainly in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Background

The first signs of the alliance appeared in the 2011 Cyprus-Israel gas deal.[1][2][3] This deal led to the trilateral alliance, which formed due to growing instability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the improving relations between the three countries after the discovery of new natural gas reserves in the region.[2][4] The first formal summit took place in 2016 gaining momentum as Greece and Cyprus had common interests in the region and shared democratic values, while Israel was searching for alternatives as its relations with Turkey were deuterating. The alliance is regarded as a "quasi-alliance" with no formal treaty but regular annual meetings.[5][6][7][3]

Key areas of cooperation

Security and Defense

The Cyprus-Greece-Israel trilateral alliance has focused mainly on creating a strong security and defense partnership, as a way to counter the growing instability in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. Their cooperation includes joint military training, sharing intelligence, and working together on counterterrorism efforts.[8][5]

One important aspect of the military partnership is the joint naval and air force exercises.[9] Some well known exercises are "Noble Dina" and "Phoenix Express," which help improve how their military forces work together.[10][11] These exercises have helped the countries coordinate on things like protecting the seas, responding to disasters, and fighting terrorism.[5][9]

Energy projects

One of the main features in the Cyprus-Greece-Israel is the energy projects, as large natural gas fields have been found in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially in Israel's Leviathan and Tamar gas fields, and Cyprus's Aphrodite gas field.[12][13][14][15] One of the projects was the building of the EastMed Pipeline, which would be an underwater pipeline carrying natural gas from Israel and Cyprus to Greece, and then on to Europe.[16][17][18] Besides the pipeline, Israel, Cyprus, and Greece have worked together on other energy projects. One of these is the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), which is a group that brings together countries in the region to work together on energy-related issues.[19][20][21]

Economic and diplomatic ties

The Trilateral alliance helped the three nations cooperate successfully while facing regional issues, like energy security and maritime borders. This growing cooperation also helps Israel's relationship with the European Union, since Cyprus and Greece are EU members. Economically, the alliance has boosted trade and investment between the countries, especially in areas like technology, defense, tourism, and farming. Israel has been an important partner for Greece and Cyprus, helping them improve sectors like cybersecurity and defense technology.[22][23][24]

Counterterrorism and Intelligence sharing

Counterterrorism has been another critical aspect of the trilateral alliance, particularly in combating regional threats like ISIS and Hezbollah. Israel, with its advanced intelligence capabilities, has shared critical information with both Cyprus and Greece to help protect against terrorism. The alliance also facilitates joint security drills and maritime patrols to safeguard the region from militant groups and other security threats.[25][26]

3+1 framework

3+1 Is the given name to the framework that involves the United States' connection to the alliance.[27][28][29] This framework includes Washington in summits and working groups to strengthen security, defense, energy projects, and regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. At the December 2025 summit in Jerusalem, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized that this mechanism aligns the partnership with broader U.S. backed initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and promotes connectivity against geopolitical challenges. U.S. involvement supports joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and countering influences such as Turkey, positioning the alliance as a key pillar for Western interests.[30][31]

2025 summit

In December 2025, the annual meeting of the trilateral alliance was held in Jerusalem. It was the first joint meeting since the October 7 attacks on Israel.[24] The meeting reaffirmed deepened military, energy, and economic ties amid regional tensions, with pledges for joint drills, intelligence sharing, the Great Sea Interconnector, and IMEC integration.[32][30][33][34][35]

Joint air and naval military exercises

The trilateral alliance has agreed on extending its partnership and conducting a joint air and naval military exercises, during 2026.[36][37] The exercise will take place in the Eastern Mediterranean, deepening their trilateral defense cooperation. The expanded drills reflect the three countries’ shared concerns over regional security dynamics and are being closely watched by other regional players.[38][36]

Challenges

Turkish Opposition

One of the major challenges the trilateral alliance is facing comes from Turkey, that opposes the energy exploration activities of Cyprus and Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey that has its own offshore drilling, does not recognize Cyprus nor its maritime boundaries and maritime agreement with Lebanon.[39] This causes high tensions with Greece and Cyprus. Turkey's strong influence in the region, its close ties with Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and its relationship with Russia are seen as major obstacles to the alliance's goals. In response, the partnership between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece is viewed as a way to balance power and increase stability in the region.[40][41] Following the trilateral agreement, Turkey has announced that Israel is its number one threat.[42][43][44]

Environmental concerns

Although energy cooperation is a key part of the alliance, environmental groups have raised concerns about possible damage to the environment. They worry about offshore drilling and large energy projects like the EastMed pipeline. Because of this, there have been calls for cleaner and more sustainable energy development in the region.[45]

Geopolitical Significance

The trilateral alliance helps balance Turkey's influence in the region, while supporting stability with Western countries and giving each country more influence in the EU and NATO. The three nations face challenges within each country and neighboring countries like Egypt.[30][46]

See also

  • Quasi-alliance
  • Cyprus–Greece relations
  • Cyprus–Israel relations
  • Greece–Israel relations

References

  1. ↑ "Cyprus and Israel agree to strengthen ties on energy, security". 2015. https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/cyprus-and-israel-agree-to-strengthen-ties-on-energy-security-idUSL5N1082ZD/?. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Greece, Israel, Cyprus sign EastMed gas pipeline deal". 2020. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/greece-israel-cyprus-sign-eastmed-gas-pipeline-deal-idUSKBN1Z10R4/. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Koukakis, Georgios (2022). "The trilateral partnership between Greece, Cyprus & Israel: Background, recent developments and future considerations regarding the security environment in the Eastern Mediterranean". pp. 134–158. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365161852. 
  4. ↑ "Greece, Israel, Cyprus sign EastMed gas pipeline deal". 2020. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/greece-israel-cyprus-sign-eastmed-gas-pipeline-deal-idUSKBN1Z10R4/?. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Tziarras, Zenonas (2016). "Israel-Cyprus-Greece: a 'Comfortable' Quasi-Alliance". Mediterranean Politics 21 (3): 407–427. doi:10.1080/13629395.2015.1131450. ISSN 1362-9395. https://www.academia.edu/20431426. 
  6. ↑ "Israel's Policy in its Triangular Relations with Greece and Cyprus" (in en-US). https://www.inss.org.il/strategic_assessment/israels-policy-in-its-triangular-relations-with-greece-and-cyprus/. 
  7. ↑ "Cyprus, Israel and Greece reaffirm alliance, reject Turkey's regional ambitions" (in en-US). 2025-12-23. https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/israel-cyprus-greece-trilateral-meeting-regional-cooperation/. 
  8. ↑ "Greece, Israel and Cyprus to step up joint exercises in eastern Mediterranean". 2025. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/greece-israel-cyprus-step-up-joint-exercises-eastern-mediterranean-2025-12-29/?. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Israel, Greece, Cyprus Hold Naval Drill amid Turkey Tensions" (in en). https://english.aawsat.com/node/2855876. 
  10. ↑ "Cyprus takes part in Israeli aeronautical exercises" (in en). 2025-04-05. https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/04/05/cyprus-takes-part-in-israeli-aeronautical-exercises. 
  11. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/api/file/viewByFileId/939620.pdf. 
  12. ↑ "Chevron, Shell Submit $4B Updated Plan for Aphrodite Natural Gas Field Development Offshore Cyprus | Egypt Oil & Gas" (in en-US). 2024-09-02. https://egyptoil-gas.com/news/chevron-shell-submit-4b-updated-plan-for-aphrodite-natural-gas-field-development-offshore-cyprus/. 
  13. ↑ "Aphrodite Gas Field, Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus" (in en-US). https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/projects/aphrodite-gas-field/. 
  14. ↑ "Israel's fossil fuel boon becomes less clear-cut". 2023. https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/israels-fossil-fuel-boon-becomes-less-clear-cut-2023-10-19/. 
  15. ↑ CGEP, Columbia | (2023-03-21). "Eastern Mediterranean Deepwater Gas to Europe: Not Too Little, But Perhaps Too Late" (in en). https://www.energypolicy.columbia.edu/publications/eastern-mediterranean-deepwater-gas-to-europe-not-too-little-but-perhaps-too-late/. 
  16. ↑ "Aphrodite Gas Field" (in en-US). https://www.offshore-technology.com/projects/aphrodite-gas-field/. 
  17. ↑ "Leaders From Israel, Cyprus, Greece Sign EastMed Gas Pipe Deal" (in en). Bloomberg.com. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-02/leaders-from-israel-to-greece-set-to-sign-eastmed-gas-pipe-deal. 
  18. ↑ Cohen, Alexander Kislov,Gina (2024-02-13). "Eastern Mediterranean remains key E&P focus area" (in en). https://www.offshore-mag.com/regional-reports/middle-east/article/14303887/eastern-mediterranean-remains-key-ep-focus-area. 
  19. ↑ "EMGF". https://emgf.org/. 
  20. ↑ "EMGF". https://emgf.org/pages/emgf/all_members.aspx. 
  21. ↑ "East Mediterranean Gas Forum Becomes An Organisation – MEPEI" (in en-US). https://mepei.com/east-mediterranean-gas-forum-becomes-an-organisation/. 
  22. ↑ "Joint Declaration – The 10th Trilateral Summit of Israel, Greece, and Cyprus". 2025. https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2025/12/22/37647. 
  23. ↑ "Israel, Greece And Cyprus Deepen Security And Energy Cooperation In Trilateral Push". 2025. https://www.eurasiareview.com/23122025-israel-greece-and-cyprus-deepen-security-and-energy-cooperation-in-trilateral-push/. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Greece, Israel and Cyprus Reignite a Strategic Triangle". 2025. https://www.tovima.com/politics/greece-israel-and-cyprus-reignite-a-strategic-triangle/. 
  25. ↑ Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11 (2025-03-31). "Text - H.R.2510 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act of 2025". https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2510/text. 
  26. ↑ "Netanyahu outlines regional ambitions after Israel–Greece–Cyprus summit" (in en). 2025-12-22. https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/politics/artc-netanyahu-outlines-regional-ambitions-after-israel-greece-cyprus-summit. 
  27. ↑ Infrastructure, Ministry of Energy and (2025-11-12). "Joint Statement on the 3+1 Energy Ministerial in Athens, Greece, dated November 6th" (in en). https://israel.com/business/joint-statement-on-the-31-energy-ministerial-in-athens-greece-dated-november-6th/. 
  28. ↑ "Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the US reaffirm energy security commitment in the Eastern Mediterranean" (in en). https://www.cbn.com.cy/article/121169/greece-cyprus-israel-and-the-us-reaffirm-energy-security-commitment-in-the-eastern-mediterranean. 
  29. ↑ Argiri, Lena (2025-05-16). "Ministers of Greece, Israel, and Cyprus invite US to join next 3+1 meeting | eKathimerini.com" (in English). https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1269891/ministers-of-greece-israel-and-cyprus-invite-us-to-join-next-31-meeting/. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 Efthymiopoulos, Dr Marios (2025). "The Dawn of Strategic Alignment: The 10th Greece–Cyprus–Israel Trilateral Meeting - Strategy International · Think Tank & Consulting Services". https://strategyinternational.org/2025/12/23/publication231/. 
  31. ↑ Zemenides, Endy; Harris, David (2019-03-29). "Cyprus, Greece, Israel alliance serves US interests" (in en-US). The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. https://www.timesofisrael.com/cyprus-greece-israel-alliance-serves-us-interests/. 
  32. ↑ "Greece, Greek Cyprus, Israel agree to deepen military ties at trilateral summit - World News" (in en). 2025-12-23. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/greece-greek-cyprus-israel-agree-to-deepen-military-ties-at-trilateral-summit-217091. 
  33. ↑ "Trilateral summit strengthens Israel-Greece-Cyprus alliance | The Jerusalem Post" (in en). 2025-12-22. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-881024. 
  34. ↑ "Joint Declaration – The 10th Trilateral Summit of Israel, Greece, and Cyprus". 2025. https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2025/12/22/37647?. 
  35. ↑ "Mitsotakis–Christodoulides–Netanyahu: Energy, Security, Erdogan" (in en). 2025-12-23. https://www.tovima.com/politics/mitsotakis-christodoulides-netanyahu-energy-security-erdogan/. 
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 "Greece, Israel and Cyprus to step up joint exercises in eastern Mediterranean". 2025. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/greece-israel-cyprus-step-up-joint-exercises-eastern-mediterranean-2025-12-29/?utm_. 
  37. ↑ "Greece, Israel and Cyprus to step up joint exercises in eastern Mediterranean" (in en-US). The Times of Israel. 2025-12-29. ISSN 0040-7909. https://www.timesofisrael.com/greece-israel-and-cyprus-to-step-up-joint-exercises-in-eastern-mediterranean/. 
  38. ↑ "Greece, Israel and Cyprus to step up joint exercises in eastern Mediterranean - AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012" (in en). https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/greece-israel-and-cyprus-step-joint-exercises-eastern-mediterranean. 
  39. ↑ "Turkey says Lebanon-Cyprus maritime deal violates Turkish Cypriots' rights, is unacceptable". 2025. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-says-lebanon-cyprus-maritime-deal-violates-turkish-cypriots-rights-is-2025-11-27/. 
  40. ↑ DC (ACW), Arab Center Washington (2025-11-12). "Gas and Geopolitics in the Eastern Mediterranean" (in en-US). https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/gas-and-geopolitics-in-the-eastern-mediterranean/. 
  41. ↑ "Greece, Cyprus, Israel and U.S. defy Turkey's obstruction - TA NEA" (in en-AU). 2025-11-07. https://tanea.com.au/en/greece-cyprus-israel-and-u-s-defy-turkeys-obstruction/. 
  42. ↑ "Ankara designates Israel as threat number one". 2025. https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/ankara-designates-israel-as-threat-number-one/. 
  43. ↑ Eichner, Itamar; Eichner, Itamar (2025-12-24). "Conspiracy theories and backlash in Turkey after summit: 'Israel is threat number 1'" (in en). Ynetglobal. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r10onyy7wg. 
  44. ↑ "Turkish media react strongly to Greece-Cyprus-Israel trilateral meeting | eKathimerini.com" (in English). 2025-12-23. https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1290696/turkish-media-react-strongly-to-greece-cyprus-israel-trilateral-meeting/. 
  45. ↑ "East Med gas needs clean tech and regional integration to support investment case" (in en). https://www.mei.edu/publications/east-med-gas-needs-clean-tech-and-regional-integration-support-investment-case. 
  46. ↑ "Trilateral summit strengthens Israel-Greece-Cyprus alliance | The Jerusalem Post" (in en). 2025-12-22. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-881024. 

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