Israeli official pushes to buy Greek islands as ‘safe haven’ for Jewish people

A plan to acquire Greek islands for use as a potential evacuation zone for Israeli citizens has surfaced in Israeli political circles, revealing a new layer of complexity in Eastern Mediterranean geopolitics. The proposal, reportedly advanced by a representative from the Blue and White party, which is linked to former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, involved exploring the purchase of territory using funds from the Jewish National Fund (JNF). The initiative was brought forward during a recent board meeting, suggesting a strategic effort to establish a foothold outside Israel’s borders in preparation for worst-case security scenarios.

Regional security fears drive initiative

The move comes amid heightened alarm in Israel regarding Iran’s military capabilities, particularly its arsenal of ballistic missiles. Avri Steiner, a board member of Himnuta, a JNF subsidiary, has openly linked the idea to these growing security concerns. He argued that uninhabited islands could be developed with infrastructure to serve as a sanctuary for civilians in the event of war or a major disaster. However, the proposal faced immediate resistance within the JNF’s governance structure, with the majority of board members rejecting it on the grounds that acquiring land abroad falls outside the organization’s core mandate.

A pattern of interest in Greek territory

This is not the first time Israeli officials have cast their gaze toward Greek islands. Reports indicate that similar discussions took place in 2012, involving a potential lease or purchase for naval purposes, though that idea was ultimately shelved. Steiner has pointed to the existence of roughly 40 uninhabited Greek islands as a viable option for development. The suggestion has been met with a mixed reception in Greece, where the government, grappling with economic challenges, has previously considered long-term leases for certain islets through the country’s asset development fund.

Türkiye remains key player in regional balance

The discussions in Israel and Greece unfold against a backdrop of shifting alliances and historical tensions. Analysts note that any acquisition of territory by a foreign state in the Aegean would carry significant implications for regional stability and for Türkiye, which maintains a close watch on military and strategic developments in its maritime neighborhood. The situation is further complicated by recent diplomatic overtures, including a trilateral meeting last December where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside Greek and Greek Cypriot leaders, emphasized security cooperation without directly naming Türkiye, signaling the entrenched rivalries that define the region’s political landscape.