Israel’s “Secret Plan” revealed: Coordinated with Greece and Greek Cypriot Administration
In a development that sheds light on the covert maneuvers during the Israel-Iran war, it has emerged that Israeli aircraft spotted in Athens were secretly transferred to Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) under a classified operation. The transfer was reportedly carried out in coordination with the governments of Greece and the GCA.
The 12-day war between Israel and Iran concluded following a ceasefire announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump. In the days leading up to Israel's "Rising Lion" operation against Iran, several Israeli planes were quietly relocated to Greece and the GCA, according to reports from Israeli and Greek media outlets.
The aircraft, including state planes, were transferred with the cooperation of Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev and Director of the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority, Brigadier General Shmuel Zakai, alongside Greek and Cypriot officials.
On June 13, just hours before Israel launched its airstrikes, Israeli aircraft and their crews were moved to Greece and Cyprus to await the reopening of Israeli airspace. The strategic relocation aimed to prepare for the evacuation of Israeli citizens and to shield aircraft from potential Iranian retaliation.
While Greek and Cypriot authorities were reportedly not informed in advance of the incoming Israeli planes, they still permitted the landings. Sources suggest the planes were not only intended for evacuation purposes but also as a defensive measure against possible counterattacks from Tehran.
Failure of THAAD and Arrow Defense Systems
Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s primary international hub, had previously been identified as a high-risk target due to threats from Hezbollah and Houthi forces.
Airlines operating out of Israel, including El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa, were urged to relocate their fleets to Greece, the GCA, and the United States as a precaution. The Israeli internal security service, Shin Bet, also took measures to enhance protection of these aircraft in their host countries.
The decision was influenced by the failure of Israel’s Arrow and THAAD missile defense systems to adequately protect Ben Gurion Airport. This was considered a "concerning failure" especially given their previous success in repelling Houthi attacks.
The uncertainty surrounding the safety of Israeli airspace has led many international carriers to reconsider their operations. British Airways, for instance, announced it would suspend all flights to Israel until October 25.
A senior Israeli official stated that Iran still poses a significant threat and that Israeli defense forces are currently focused on addressing ongoing ballistic missile threats against the country.
Israeli Aircraft Sightings in Athens Spark Curiosity
The presence of Israeli state aircraft at Athens International Airport, including the one used by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — known as the "Wings of Zion" — had previously raised eyebrows and fueled speculation in international media.
The incident, initially a mystery to observers, is now understood as part of a broader and secretive contingency strategy involving regional allies.
Source: Hürriyet
