Israel and Greece setting up radar in Crete

Israel and Greece have decided on building a Long Horizon Radar in Eastern Crete. The project will help the countries keep a check on marine activity in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Background

From the formation of Israel in 1948 until 1991, the Greek perceived the Israelis as an antagonistic country in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Athens followed a more pro-Arab stance as it used to import crude oil from some of the Arab countries. In the 1970s the Arab states imposed an oil embargo on the U.S and Western Europe in order to curtail their pro-Israeli stance. The Greek-Israeli relationship was stagnant for 45 years.

The first changes to the relationship between Greek and Israel started in 1995 due to Greece seeking to increase its diplomatic deterrent power with Turkey. The improvement in US-Greek relations encouraged a shift towards Israel. 

The denial of Turkey’s request in 1998 by the Israeli Prime Minister Mordechai led to Greece’s enhancement of economic relations with Israel. The improved relations led to better trade throughout the 90s. By 2004, Israel was importing $242 million worth of products from Greece, while products worth $142 million was being exported.

In December 2010 Cyprus and Israel signed an accord demarcating their maritime borders to help facilitate offshore gas exploration. Greece has supported the Greek-Israeli-Cypriot partnership in order to counterbalance Turkey’s geostrategic influence in the region.

Cyprus and Israel signed two bilateral military agreements in January 2012 which lets the Israeli Air Force use Cyprus’ airspace and territorial waters around the island in order to safeguard and protect crucial energy resources and exchange of classified information.

Improved relations between also led to Israel recognizing the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Greece and Cyprus. As a member of the European Union (EU), relations with Greece would help Israel improve its diplomatic, economic and trade relations with the rest of Europe.

Analysis

Israel and Greece are constructing a new radar system in Eastern Crete as part of a tripartite alliance between Greek-Israeli-Cypriot under US approval. The surface radar will be able to track long range, beyond the horizon giving both the countries access to the enhanced coverage.

Military alliances between Greece and Israel have existed since Turkey left the military training exercise hosted by the US. The exercise “Reliant Mermaid” was started in 1998 and continued till 2011 when Turkey pulled out of the drill. Greece was then given a chance to take part in the US-Israel drill which was later renamed “Noble Dina” which started in 2012.

Military cooperation with Israel may also lead to benefits for the Greek economy and civilian industries. By adopting Israeli defense tactics and purchasing material, the Greek Armed Forces may also enhance their status within NATO. Greece will also have the opportunity to buy various missile systems and homeland security capabilities developed by Israel. In addition, the Israeli defense industry can upgrade and modernize ageing Greek defense systems.

Israel and Cyprus have large gas reserves in the territorial waters and a desire to export the gas to Europe with the help of Greece, an important strategic gateway to the continent. The countries also have numerous shared regional interests, including the security situation in Syria and Lebanon and complicated relations with Turkey. Both countries have good relations with Egypt, to which both plan to export gas.

The construction of pipelines in order to supply gas from Israel to Europe has been a source of conflict. The Lebanese government has warned Israel not to violate maritime borders during the construction of the pipeline.

Assessment

Our assessment is that the Greek-Israeli-Cypriot alliance is a new force to reckon with in the East Mediterranean region. We believe that the construction of the radar in Eastern Crete could help them assert regional dominance.

Image Courtesy: Ggia, 20090620 Spinalogka Elounta panoramic view from the mountain, CC BY-SA 3.0