Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Israel on Sunday, March 30, emphasising the strong defence ties between the two nations.
Addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Mitsotakis stated that the countries share “many security challenges” and that their defence cooperation is “critically important to us in Greece.”
Greece is currently in talks with Israel to purchase advanced artillery systems and a missile defense system similar to the Iron Dome, as part of its effort to bolster its defense amid tensions with Turkey.
The leaders discussed security, economic opportunities, and the prospects for lasting peace in the region.
For his part, Netanyahu highlighted the shared history, values, and common interests of Greece and Israel.
Netanyahu remarked, “We are two ancient peoples… Our free civilisation started in Athens and Jerusalem,” reinforcing the deep historical and cultural connections between Greece and Israel.
Είχα τη χαρά να συναντήσω τον Πρωθυπουργό του Ισραήλ Benjamin Netanyahu. Κατά τη διάρκεια της συνάντησης επαναβεβαιώσαμε τη στρατηγική σχέση Ελλάδας-Ισραήλ και συζητήσαμε για την περαιτέρω εμβάθυνση της διμερούς συνεργασίας ιδιαίτερα στον τομέα της άμυνας. https://t.co/IVaURav1m4 pic.twitter.com/nrfZhh7UVQ
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) March 30, 2025
Earlier, Mitsotakis met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who explained that Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza aim to secure the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Herzog stressed that the hostages’ return is Israel’s “highest priority.”
Mitsotakis, who had previously visited Israel after October 2023, condemned the hostage situation and reiterated calls for their “immediate and unconditional release.”
He also expressed condolences to the family of Greek citizen Jonas Chrosis, who was killed in a Hamas attack in Jaffa last October, and announced a scholarship program in his honour.
In his guestbook note, Mitsotakis emphasised the “strategic partnership and strong ties of friendship” between Greece and Israel.
