Alert from Foreign Intelligence Services to Greek Authorities
Foreign intelligence services have reportedly issued a warning to Greek authorities about a potential attempt to target Israeli interests in Greece. The National Intelligence Service (EYP) and the Counter-Terrorism Unit are on high alert following recent developments, particularly the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil.
Foreign intelligence warning to Greece – EYP and Counter-Terrorism on high alert.
Greek and foreign officials concur that there is a possibility of a retaliatory attack on an Israeli target outside of Israel in the near future. For some foreign services, Greece is among the potential countries, although there is no clear information about a specific target or date.
In 2023-2024, there were two instances of plans and attempted attacks on Israeli interests in Athens. The first was in March 2023 when the Counter-Terrorism Unit, in collaboration with the EYP and the Israeli Mossad, arrested two Pakistani nationals accused of planning to attack the Jewish synagogue in Monastiraki.
The arrest operation, named “Hyacinth,” was reportedly coordinated from Iran, according to Israeli sources. Israel has issued an arrest warrant for a Pakistani national who was in Iran at the time of the investigation.
The second incident occurred in May and June 2024, involving low-intensity arson attacks on an Israeli hotel in Monastiraki and the synagogue in the same area. The Counter-Terrorism Unit traced the perpetrators through video evidence and other findings at the attack sites.
Additional information from Israel was provided to Greek authorities shortly before the scheduled arrests of the suspects. Although court documents indicate that the perpetrators were directed by an imprisoned Afghan, there are indications of involvement by individuals linked to Iran.
Following the latest developments in the Middle East, there is a consensus among officials that there may be another attempt to target Israeli interests in Greece. “The level of vigilance has increased,” confirmed a senior official from the Ministry of Citizen Protection. Intelligence and security officials also confirmed the receipt of information from abroad about a potential attack within Greece.
The National Intelligence Service is in constant communication with counterpart agencies abroad, exchanging information, and there is cooperation with Cypriot authorities, where Iran has previously attempted to carry out terrorist attacks. The most recent case was recorded in December 2023.
At that time, Cypriot authorities arrested two Iranian nationals living on the island as economic migrants, who reportedly had ties to the Revolutionary Guards. The Counter-Terrorism Unit has activated its intelligence-gathering networks. There is also concern that foreign nationals might transit through Greece to another country with the intent to carry out an attack on a Jewish target.
