Israel holds joint naval exercise with France, Greece, Cyprus - a crucial step to stop Turkey

Jerusalem/Athens/Paris: – It has been revealed that Israel held joint naval exercises with France, Greece and Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea region. The Israeli defence forced released information regarding the exercises. An Israeli submarine also participated along with an Israeli warship named ‘Noble Dina’ in these exercises. The Turkish movements in the Mediterranean Sea region have increased over the last few years, and this exercise is considered important against that background.

Last year, Israel signed the agreement for the ambitious Eastmed pipeline with the European countries along with Cyprus and Greece. Thereafter, only last month, Israel signed an agreement for a fuel pipeline with Egypt. These Israeli activities seem to be a part of a plan to pose a challenge to Turkey. The exercises in the Mediterranean Sea also are considered to be an important stage of the plan.

The Israeli navy started exercises in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus. French, Greek and Cypriot navies also joined in the exercises. Israel naval chief Rear Admiral Eyal Harel informed that ‘Anti-Submarine Procedures’, ‘Battle Between Ships’ and ‘Search and Rescue Operations’ were practiced during the exercises. Rear Admiral Eyal Harel also said that such exercises are important to strengthen relations with foreign navies having common interests.

Since the last few years, Turkey is carrying out aggressive activities in the Mediterranean Sea. Last year, Turkey claimed rights over the islands in the Greek marine limits and sent ships and warships to this region for oil exploration. Thereafter, the Mediterranean Sea tension has been diffused, and Greece has started seeking cooperation from other countries to counter Turkey. These countries include Israel, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, other than the United States and European countries.

As of now, Relations between Israel and Turkey also are strained. The main reasons for this is the stand taken by Turkish President Recep Erdogan on the issues like Palestine, Hamas and Iran. Although Turkey is making moves to improve the relations, Israel has not responded positively so far. Instead, from these war exercises, indications are being received that Israel will be taking rapid steps to stop the Turkish aggression.