Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to stability and peace during a joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at a trilateral summit in Jerusalem on December 22, 2025. The meeting marked the tenth such summit between the three leaders, underscoring a decade-long strategic partnership in an increasingly volatile Eastern Mediterranean.

“Look, we’re not seeking confrontation with anyone. On the contrary, we seek stability, prosperity, and peace,” Netanyahu said, while making clear that Israel and its partners are prepared to defend their shared interests. He stressed Israel’s determination to protect critical maritime routes and infrastructure, adding, “We hope that our coalition won’t be tested.”

The remarks come amid rising regional tensions tied to energy exploration and competing territorial claims in gas-rich waters of the Eastern Mediterranean. Israel, Greece, and Cyprus have steadily deepened cooperation on energy development, defense coordination, and regional connectivity, positioning their alliance as a stabilizing counterweight to aggressive claims and coercive behavior.

During the summit, the three leaders reaffirmed commitments to expand joint military exercises, enhance intelligence and technology sharing, and safeguard undersea energy assets and shipping lanes vital to regional and global markets. The partnership has been widely viewed as a response to Turkey’s expansive “Blue Homeland” doctrine, which asserts control over disputed maritime zones and has heightened friction across the region.

Netanyahu’s comments reflected a dual message: Israel and its allies are pursuing peace and prosperity, but they will not compromise on sovereignty or security. By strengthening cooperation with Greece and Cyprus, Israel aims to deter escalation while preserving freedom of navigation and lawful energy development.

The summit reinforced the alliance’s core principle that peace in the Eastern Mediterranean is best secured through unity, preparedness, and clear resolve. As regional challenges persist, the three democracies signaled that they remain aligned in defending stability without seeking unnecessary confrontation.