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The National Intelligence Service (EYP) and counterterrorism authorities in Greece are on heightened alert after receiving a warning from foreign security services about a potential attack on an Israeli interest in Greece.
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has heightened concerns about possible retaliatory attacks in third countries, prompting increased vigilance. EYP is maintaining close communication with foreign counterparts and is cooperating with Cyprus, where Iran attempted a terrorist attack as recently as December 2023.
“The level of vigilance has increased,” a Ministry of Citizen Protection official confirmed to Kathimerini. Intelligence and security officials have corroborated the receipt of information from abroad regarding a possible attack within Greek borders.
Greek and foreign officials agree that there is a significant possibility of a retaliatory attack against an Israeli target outside Israel. While Greece is considered a potential location, there is no specific information about an imminent attack or specific targets.
There is also concern about foreign nationals potentially using Greece as a transit point for attacks in other countries. Two plots against Israeli interests in Athens were foiled in 2023-24. In March 2023, counterterrorism authorities, in collaboration with EYP and Israel’s Mossad, arrested two Pakistani nationals accused of planning to attack a synagogue in Monastiraki, central Athens, in an operation reportedly coordinated by Iran. Israel issued an arrest warrant for a Pakistani national located in Iran during the investigation.
The second incident involved low-intensity arson attacks in May and June 2024 against an Israeli hotel and synagogue in Monastiraki. These events have underscored the ongoing threat and necessitated increased security measures.
