Greece considers deploying forces in Gaza under Trump plan: report

• Greece studies sending an engineering force to the Gaza Strip as part of a US-backed “day after” plan.
• 'Israel' encourages Greek involvement as both sides seek to counter Turkish influence in the region.

Greece is considering sending forces to Gaza as part of the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s proposed “day after” plan for the territory, according to regional media reports, signaling a potential new European role in Gaza’s post-war landscape.

The issue is expected to be raised during a meeting between 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Hebrew Channel 12 reported that 'Israel' is actively encouraging Greece to take part in shaping Gaza’s future, viewing Athens as a strategic partner.

Engineering force under discussion

Greece is examining the possibility of deploying a non-combat engineering force rather than frontline troops. An 'Israeli' political source was quoted as saying that Greece has “certainly shown readiness” to participate in the post-operations phase in Gaza, a development 'Israel' considers important, according to the report.

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“From a future stabilization force to other frameworks, Greek participation matters to us”, the source said, adding that 'Israel' wants a Greek presence in any future force operating in Gaza.

However, the source stressed that no concrete agreements or operational details have yet been finalized.

The same source noted that Greece is unlikely to send combat units, but support roles, particularly engineering or technical forces, remain a realistic option.

'Israeli' and Greek alignment

Professor Sotiris Serbos, a political adviser to the Greek prime minister, told Channel 12 that all parties involved in the process, led by 'Israel' and other key actors, prefer Greece to be part of the next phase in Gaza. He emphasized that 'Israel' places high importance on determining which countries will participate in any future force and under what mandate.

Serbos said Greece’s evolving foreign policy vision is pushing it to become a more influential and engaged actor in the Middle East, moving beyond its traditional regional posture.

Broader regional strategy

Last week, Greek officials publicly signaled readiness to take part in Gaza-related operations after the foreign minister said Greece was prepared to contribute to a peacekeeping force. He described Greece’s relationship with 'Israel' as a “unique strategic alliance” across multiple fields, while also highlighting Athens’ friendly ties with Arab states.

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A summit is scheduled for Monday in Jerusalem, where Netanyahu is set to host the prime ministers of Greece and Cyprus. Leaders are expected to discuss strengthening cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean, including security, energy, and regional stability.

Turkey factor looms large

The growing alignment between 'Israel' and Greece is widely seen as driven by shared concerns over Turkey. 'Israel' has expressed fears of expanding Turkish influence in Gaza and Syria, while Greece remains deeply wary of Ankara over long-standing maritime disputes.

Tensions between Greece and Turkey have recently intensified over maritime boundaries around Greek islands. Athens insists on exercising its rights in territorial waters, a position Ankara strongly opposes and has framed as a potential casus belli.

Greek media have also reported a new trilateral initiative involving Tel Aviv, Athens, and Nicosia to counter Turkish pressure. The proposal reportedly includes studying the formation of a joint rapid-response force with naval and air assets and up to 2,500 personnel.

Despite what officials describe as political will, no clear operational plan has yet emerged. Greek sources say Athens wants to play a role in Gaza and potentially Syria, partly to prevent regional instability from spilling into the eastern Mediterranean.