The Hebrew daily Maariv published an article by Israeli writer Michael Harari, noting that the Eastern Mediterranean has been a blessing for most of the countries bordering it. The discovery of offshore gas and other strategic developments, he wrote, has strengthened regional cooperation.
Harari pointed to what he called the “strategic triangle” between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, as well as the creation of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum in January 2019. Turkey, however, was notably absent from these processes — and, in his words, “for good reason.”
Despite Israel’s ongoing war and the sharp rise in global criticism against the occupation state, Harari argued that the regional framework built over the past decade has not suffered major damage, although it is under considerable pressure.
Turkey’s Position in Flux
According to the article, shifts in Syria and beyond have altered Turkey’s regional standing. The collapse of the Assad regime and the rise of Ahmad Al-Sharaa, backed by Turkey, alongside the good relationship between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and former U.S. President Donald Trump, have revived Ankara’s strategic confidence.
Harari claimed that Turkey now feels emboldened to capitalise on dramatic regional developments to further enhance its position. Its improving ties with Gulf states and Egypt are aiding this effort. However, tensions between Turkey and Greece have escalated in recent months, despite previous progress that saw summit meetings between their leaders and the adoption of a so-called “good neighbour” policy.
Energy Disputes and Geopolitical Calculations
Greece, Harari noted, is now uneasy about Turkey’s renewed self-confidence. One key point of contention is the planned undersea energy cable linking Greece to Cyprus, and later connecting Israel to Cyprus.
The Greek-Cypriot project has been highly valued by the European Union, which allocated a grant of €657 million to support it. The EU hopes the project will help end Cyprus’s energy isolation and reduce electricity prices across Europe. Greece has been lobbying in Brussels to promote the plan, while Cyprus has taken a more cautious approach due to fears of a strong Turkish backlash and internal divisions in Nicosia.
In recent months, Turkey has announced its opposition to the proposed route, arguing it conflicts with the 2019 maritime boundaries agreement it signed with Libya — a deal not recognised internationally and criticised as a violation of international law. Nevertheless, Turkey treats the agreement as a binding reality.
Between Opportunity and Escalation
Harari concluded that Turkey sees an opportunity to restore its influence and ease its political isolation. The question, he suggested, is whether Ankara will now escalate tensions in the region or use this as a bargaining chip to strengthen its leverage in Syria. As always, he added, eyes will be on Washington.
