The Israeli embassy in Athens on Thursday issued a written response to a series of critical reports and references in local media scrutinizing an aeronautical military exercise in the eastern Mediterranean -- southeast of the Greek isle of Kastellorizo -- by Turkey, Israel and the United States.

The exercise, cited as a “search and rescue” maneuver and code-named "Reliant Mermaid", was due to end on Friday.

“In response to publications which have appeared in the Greek media concerning Israel’s participation in a search and rescue exercise along with the armed forces of the United States and Turkey in the Aegean, the Embassy of Israel in Athens would like to state the following:

“Israel is not in any way part of the differences between Greece and Turkey in the Aegean and considers both countries important partners and allies in promoting cooperation and stability in the wider area of the Mediterranean.

“With regard to the search and rescue exercise and references to it on the Israeli Defense Ministry website, the Israeli Government assured Greek authorities that it had no ill intention and removed the controversial references.

“The insinuations that Israel is aiding another country in claims against Greece are a far cry from reality. Attempts by some media outlets to portray Israel as acting against Greece in any way distort reality and do not do justice to Israel’s stance towards Greece and to Greek - Israeli relations.

“The Government of Israel considers Greece an important partner in the region and its aim is for the already excellent bilateral relations to continue developing in a positive manner in all fields with mutual friendship and respect,” the press release reads.

Statement republished by Press Release from:

Embassy of Greece
Press & Communications Office
2211 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-332-2727