A map showing some Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. (Adobe Stock photo)
March 25, 2026 11:44 AM GMT+03:00
A controversial proposal by an Israeli political figure to purchase islands in Greece to create a “safe zone” for citizens fleeing a potential missile war has resurfaced amid escalating regional tensions.
Avri Steiner, a representative associated with the Blue and White party led by Benny Gantz, originally suggested the idea during a board meeting of Himnuta, a subsidiary of the Jewish National Fund (JNF).
‘Alternative Iron Dome’
Steiner argued that the purchase of Greek islands should be explored as a humanitarian evacuation option following reports that Iran possesses over 3,000 ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel.
Recalling the 2006 war with Hezbollah, Steiner told Maariv: “In the Second Lebanon War, we saw missiles reach as far as Netanya, and today they may reach further south… What do we do in a possible scenario of threatening a large population?”
Claiming there were 40 empty islands in Greece that Israel could purchase and develop, Steiner envisioned creating an “alternative Iron Dome.” He even suggested establishing a framework with the Greek government to eventually transfer sovereignty to Israel.
In 2012, Greece had actually identified 40 uninhabited islands that could be leased for up to 50 years to reduce its national debt.
The U.S. and Israel have maintained airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
A view of the Greek Island of Santorini, in the Agean Sea on February 3, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Board rejects ‘surreal’ scheme
Despite Steiner’s arguments, the proposal was swiftly rejected by the majority of the Himnuta board members. According to Haaretz, which dubbed the scheme “surreal,” the board stated the plan directly contradicted the historical aims of the organization.
The JNF is a non-profit founded in 1901 with the specific goal of “land redemption” for Jewish settlers in historic Palestine.
Furthermore, Himnuta was established after the 1967 Middle East War specifically to purchase Palestinian land in the illegally occupied West Bank.
Board members emphasized that the organization is not mandated to purchase land outside of Israel or the Palestinian territories.
March 25, 2026 12:01 PM GMT+03:00