“Israel’s Strategic Interests in the Eastern Mediterranean”

“FES Southern Perspective”

In this study Dr. Ehud Eran analyses the reasons of the dramatic shift the Eastern Mediterranean emerged in Israeli strategic thinking in the last decade. While traditionally Israel did not view the region as an essential strategic arena, nowadays it became significant for Israeli strategy and activity.

There are two interrelated pillars for this development:

1. the discovery of natural gas at the seabed by Israel and
2. an alliance with Greece and Cyprus.

This Israeli-Hellenic Alliance is a possible framework to contain Turkey’s growing efforts to project power and influence in the region.