“The strategy of political and defence alignment and absolute subordination to the genocidal state of Israel […] is not only morally bankrupt but also reckless and dangerous. It signals Greece’s involvement in military conflicts with which it should have no connection whatsoever,” MeRA25 added in its statement.
Opponents of the procurement argue that buying combat-proven weaponry directly bankrolls acts that have resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian civilian deaths, widespread starvation, and systemic displacement — labelled a genocide by the UN, genocide scholars and various human rights organisations, amongst others.
The lucrative agreement comes despite growing international pushback against the Israeli arms industry.
Over the past two to three years, Israeli defence firms have faced escalating censure and exhibition bans at major European defence trade shows, notably in France during events such as Eurosatory and Euronaval.
European hosts and legal entities restricted Israeli state pavilions and weapon displays due to mounting international outrage over Israeli genocide in Gaza and war in Lebanon.
Critics point out the irony of Athens deepening financial commitments to Israeli defence contractors at a time when European peers have sought distance from them.
Beyond geopolitical objections, domestic critics like MeRA25 have brought the debate back to Greece’s severe internal social issues and public spending constraints.
“At a time when resources for social policy are virtually non-existent, public healthcare and education are being deliberately abandoned in favour of private interests, while housing costs and the cost-of-living crisis are putting increasing pressure on society, the majority of which is struggling to make ends meet, the government has chosen to spend […] on the international military-industrial complex…”
MeRA25 is a left-wing political party, founded in Greece in 2018 by former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis. It serves as an electoral wing of the pan-European movement DiEM25 and focuses on anti-austerity, green politics, and democratic reforms in Europe.
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