In rejection of the last Turkish-Libyan memorandum from Israel calls for analysis Eran Lerman, Vice President of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS), highlighting the great importance of “Greek contacts” (Greece and Cyprus) for Israel, which are also members of the strategic alliance in the region. The retired professor and head of JISS makes it clear that Turkey’s non-existent claim to sovereignty over the Greek islands of the Aegean, and especially Turkey’s threats, should be of concern to all its countries. Eastern Mediterranean.

But he makes it clear that the Turkish-Libyan memorandums do not comply law of the sea, as the rights of important Greek islands are being violated. On the contrary, he projects the delimitation of the EEZ between Greece and Egypt in 2020 as an agreement that not only has legal and geographical validity, but also serves as an indication of Greece’s flexibility at the negotiating table. He believes that finding a solution through dialogue and contacts will benefit not only Israel, but the entire region. Also referring to a statement by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Lerman believes that Israel can help with this, as well as motivate America to do the same, if discussions are held within a framework based on international law.

He points out that the current agreement between Turkey and Libya also poses a threat to Israel’s future energy plans, whether it be the Eurasian Interconnector (which will connect the electricity grids of Greece, Cyprus and Israel) or the revival of the EastMed pipeline, as they depend on Turkey’s tolerance.

Lerman’s analysis is timely at a time when Israel and Turkey are trying to normalize their diplomatic ties after years of strained relations. He emphasizes that Israel must clearly understand its attitude towards Turkey and its aspirations in the Mediterranean.