The force would not be a permanent standing unit but one that could be deployed quickly in times of crisis on land, at sea, or in the air.
Israel, Greece, and Cyprus have signed a trilateral work plan for military cooperation for 2026, the IDF told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday.
Although the signing took place last week in Nicosia, Cyprus, the military only revealed the development on Sunday.
The Israeli delegation was led by the IDF’s International Cooperation Division chief Brig. Gen. Amit Adler, who met with his Greek and Cypriot counterparts.
Among other things, the plans include joint exercises and training, working groups in various fields, and strategic military dialogue on issues of joint interest.
The signing of the plans constitutes another step in deepening military cooperation among the countries and contributes to strengthening stability, security, and peace in the eastern Mediterranean region, the IDF said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, December 22, 2025. (credit: MA’AYAN TOAF/GPO)
Initiative meant to deter Turkey’s military activity in the region
The concept the three countries discussed envisions a unit of about 2,500 personnel, some 1,000 soldiers each from Greece and Israel, and 500 from Cyprus, Greek news site Tanea reported.
Senior officials from Israel, Greece, and Cyprus were discussing the possibility of establishing a rapid-response force composed of units from each of their armed forces, the Post reported on December 18.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to deter Turkey’s military and strategic activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, three sources told the Post.
The force would not be a permanent standing unit but one that could be deployed quickly in times of crisis on land, at sea, or in the air.
There is significant involvement from the Israel Air Force, the International Cooperation Division, and the Israel Navy, coordinated through interservice and government channels, a person familiar with the matter told the Post.
Last week, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides came to Israel for a summit with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the developments.
Amichai Stein contributed to this report.