By Tasos Kokkinidis
Jul 1, 2025
Greece and Cyprus unknowingly became central to Israel’s covert “Operation Rising Lion,” a strategic maneuver to safeguard its planes and citizens hours before the air assault on Iran, Israeli media report.
According to reports from Maariv and Israel Hayom, dozens of Israeli aircraft, along with their crews and flight attendants, were secretly relocated from Ben-Gurion Airport to airports across Greece and Cyprus.
This unprecedented transfer, led by Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev and the Civil Aviation Authority, involved close cooperation with these regional countries, even though Greece and Cyprus were reportedly unaware of the true purpose behind the sudden influx of planes.
The primary aim of this significant deployment to Greek and Cypriot soil was twofold, says a report in the Jerusalem Post. Firstly, it served as a critical measure in facilitating the rescue of thousands of Israeli citizens stranded abroad once Israeli airspace reopened.
Secondly, and perhaps more crucially, it was a preemptive protective measure against anticipated Iranian retaliation, as the Israeli defense establishment predicted missile attacks targeting Israeli planes and Ben-Gurion Airport itself. This strategic relocation to Greece and Cyprus aimed to remove vulnerable aircraft from harm’s way, particularly given the airport’s status as a high-value target for groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.
As part of this extensive operation, Israeli airlines, including El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa, were instructed to transfer their entire fleets to airports in Cyprus, Greece, and the United States. The Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency) also ramped up security in these host nations, underscoring the critical role Greece and Cyprus played in sheltering these vital Israeli assets during a period of heightened regional tension.
Ben-Gurion Airport is a strategic target for groups threatening Israel, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis. The Israeli defense establishment predicted Iran would also try to harm Israel’s largest airport; therefore, preparations were made in advance.
Israel’s presidential plane was guarded in Greece
Athens and the “Eleftherios Venizelos” International Airport were also chosen to guard the presidential aircraft of the state of Israel used by Benjamin Netanyahu.
The presidential plane, known as the Wing of Zion, is an upgraded Boeing 767 with cutting-edge digital and defense technologies, designed to safely fly high-ranking Israeli officials. Although its cost and delay have resulted in reactions, with its commissioning in 2024, it has become a symbol of national pride and diplomatic autonomy.
Greece’s approach criticized by the opposition
Greece’s cautious response to the Israel-Iran crisis reflected its complex geopolitical position in the Eastern Mediterranean. The country has strengthened defense ties with Israel in recent years, including military cooperation agreements, while simultaneously maintaining relationships across the region.
The government’s approach faced criticism from domestic opposition parties, and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) has previously denounced the governing New Democracy party for supporting Israel and requested Greece’s disengagement from military cooperation altogether. KKE called for an immediate end to all military ties with Israel, condemning the Israeli attacks and warning of dangerous regional escalation.
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