A week after the tenth trilateral meeting between Cyprus, Greece and Israel in Jerusalem, and just days after the signing of a new military agreement between the armed forces of the three countries, there is noticeable unease in Nicosia over the way Israel appears to be exploiting the agreements, prioritising its own political, diplomatic and geostrategic interests.
Amid heightened tensions between Israel and Turkey, including mutual threats of military action, the Netanyahu government has sought to involve Cyprus and Greece. The Israeli Prime Minister himself attempted to present Turkey as a common adversary to all three countries, taking into account either his personal interests (following a dip in popularity despite recovery efforts) or the national interests of Israel, while overlooking the impact on the other two states participating in the trilateral.
The aftermath of the trilateral meeting and the Turkish reactions have unsettled Nicosia. Although there are no official references, the discomfort is evident, and the matter is being handled delicately at a diplomatic level. Unofficially, government circles note that some of the statements made could have been avoided without affecting the spirit and substance of the agreements reached in Jerusalem. Beyond that, no single state can dictate to another how agreements made with other countries are presented or used.
According to information from Politis, the main points causing discomfort are:
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Netanyahu’s statements: After the Jerusalem trilateral, the Israeli Prime Minister took a jab at Turkey. His statement was seen as implying commitments by Cyprus and Greece, prompting a reaction from Ankara. Netanyahu said: “To those imagining they can restore their empire and dominance over our countries, I say: forget it. It will not happen. Do not even think about it. We are determined and capable of defending ourselves, and our cooperation further strengthens that capability. Together, the three genuine democracies of the Eastern Mediterranean will advance security, prosperity and freedom. With God’s help, we will bring a brighter and safer future to our nations and the region.”
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Joint declaration: Some officials believe the outcomes of the trilateral should have been limited to the agreed text of the joint declaration. Even the statements of the three leaders could have adhered strictly to the declaration. Given ongoing efforts to restart Cyprus talks, statements portraying the trilateral as a threat to Turkey do not help the constructive atmosphere needed.
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Targeted inaccuracies: Despite no official announcements, selective and directed leaks created speculation in Israel about the establishment of a joint brigade comprising 1,000 Israeli, 1,000 Greek and 500 Cypriot soldiers. This was officially denied by the Cypriot Minister of Defence.
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IDF announcement: Following the trilateral and Netanyahu’s statements, and after tensions eased, the Israeli armed forces unilaterally announced the signing of a military agreement with Cyprus and Greece. “The trilateral work plan for military cooperation for 2026 includes joint exercises, training, working groups in several fields, and strategic military dialogue, further enhancing cooperation and contributing to stability, security and peace in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the statement said. This was not a joint announcement by all three countries, or a joint declaration as in previous cases, but an IDF post on its official X account. Cyprus and Greece issued no statements on the 2026 military agreement.
Defence ministry denial
Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas, speaking on Politis radio’s 'Defteri Matia' programme, was asked to comment on reports of a joint brigade between Cyprus, Greece and Israel. He categorically stated that there is no question of creating a unified military force. He clarified that Cyprus maintains cooperation with friendly countries, including Greece and Israel, through joint exercises and training - a practice also followed with other regional states - contributing, he said, to the stability and security of the Eastern Mediterranean.