Turkey's military activities monitored amid escalating tensions with Israel and Greece

Ankara is closely observing military activities involving Greece and Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean, signaling growing unease over trilateral cooperation between Athens, Nicosia, and Tel Aviv. The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed it is monitoring these developments, including potential crises, tensions, and even war scenarios in the region.

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We are closely monitoring the military activities of Greece, as well as the activities being developed by Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean. All possible developments, including possible crises, tensions, and war, that may arise in our region are being closely monitored and the necessary work is being carried out.

This heightened vigilance comes as reports emerge in Turkey suggesting potential conflict between Turkey and Israel, with Greece potentially drawn into the fray. Israeli strategic defense analyst Sai Gal commented that if Turkey were to attack Israel, Ankara could not dictate the geography of the response. Gal also noted that occupied northern Cyprus is not considered Turkish territory by Jerusalem, and that Cyprus serves as a crucial link between the Aegean and the Middle East.

Further exacerbating tensions is the planned undersea cable project for electricity interconnection between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Turkey has asserted that any such project requires its consent, a stance met with firm rejection from Greece. "Our position is clear. The rules of International Maritime Law are even clearer, regarding the exploration and laying of the cable as a whole. Greece will therefore not deviate from these rules," stated Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, emphasizing the shared will of Greece, Cyprus, and France.

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If Turkey attacks Israel, Ankara cannot choose the geography of the Israeli response. The occupied north (of Cyprus) is not Turkish territory. For Jerusalem, these are no longer separate files. Turkey will not control the corridor from Haifa to Cyprus, Crete, and Europe.

The increasing assertiveness of Turkey, particularly with its "Blue Homeland" doctrine, is also contributing to regional friction. This summer alone, Turkey recorded a significant increase in airspace violations over Greek territory compared to 2025. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has invoked historical Seljuk sultans, referencing past military glories in the Eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas.

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Our position is clear. The rules of International Maritime Law are even clearer, regarding the exploration and laying of the cable as a whole. Greece will therefore not deviate from these rules. Cyprus, Greece, and France have expressed will.

In response to the evolving regional dynamics, Greece is continuing its defense modernization. The country is set to sign an agreement for the acquisition of two FREMM frigates from the Italian Navy on September 8, with deliveries expected in 2028 and 2029.

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After they wrote an epic at Manzikert, together with Sultan Alp Arslan, I recall with gratitude that great commander, as well as the emirs, the beys who cooled their swords in the same way in the cool waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Black Sea.