Israel, Greece, Cyprus Examine Joint Rapid Reaction Force as Eastern Mediterranean Tensions Rise

Israel, Greece, and Cyprus are examining the creation of a joint brigade-level rapid reaction force in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to Greek media reports, as the three countries seek to deepen security cooperation. The proposed force would include approximately 2,500 personnel from all three states and focus on protecting critical energy infrastructure at sea.

The discussions are taking place ahead of a trilateral summit scheduled for next week in Jerusalem, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to host Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The timing reflects growing concern among the three governments over instability in the Eastern Mediterranean and disputes surrounding maritime zones and energy projects.

According to the reports, the initiative is being explored in response to Turkey’s expanding military capabilities and its assertive posture in the region. Athens is said to be seeking new strategic frameworks to counter increasing Turkish pressure, particularly around offshore gas fields and undersea infrastructure. Israeli officials reportedly view the initiative favorably, seeing it as a way to enhance regional stability while providing Israel with added strategic depth.

The proposed force would be organized at the brigade level, with around 1,000 troops contributed by Greece, 1,000 by Israel, and 500 by Cyprus. Rather than being stationed at a single permanent base, the force would be designed for rapid deployment during crises, relying on existing military infrastructure in Greece’s islands of Rhodes or Karpathos, as well as in Cyprus and Israel.

In the air, the plan under discussion includes the allocation of one squadron from the Hellenic Air Force and one squadron from the Israeli Air Force. At sea, the emphasis would be on safeguarding maritime routes and undersea assets. Greece would reportedly contribute a frigate and a submarine, while Israel would assign one of its Sa’ar 6-class corvettes alongside a submarine. These assets could operate independently or as part of coordinated patrols, depending on operational needs.

The maritime focus reflects growing concern over the safety of energy routes in the Eastern Mediterranean, including gas pipelines and underwater power cables that connect the region to Europe. Israeli analyst Shai Gal, quoted in Greek media, said the proposed force is not aimed at any specific country but is meant to address a security gap that has emerged at sea. “A Greek–Israeli rapid reaction force is not an alliance against anyone,” Gal said. “The real battlefield has shifted offshore, to the infrastructure that powers Europe. The seabed, not the surface map, is now the front line.”

Gal pointed to recent damage to underwater cables and the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines as warning signs for the region. He said the idea behind the proposal is to improve coordination and early warning at sea, adding: “Maximalist maps will not rule this sea. Shared awareness, interoperability, and the rule of law will.”

Despite the advanced discussions, the reports stress that no final decisions have been made. Turkish officials have criticized the deepening security ties between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, warning against what they describe as the militarization of the region. At the same time, the upcoming Jerusalem summit is expected to advance cooperation on security and energy, setting the stage for further coordination among the three partners.