ABSTRACT
Since the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, bilateral relations with Greece were characterized by suspicion, mutual recriminations and even enmity (Nachmani, 1987). Athens’ at times staunchly anti-Israeli and consistently pro-Arab stance lasted for about half a century. Slow change was evinced only after Greece’s 1981 accession to the then European Economic Community (E.E.C). Diplomatic relations with Israel were upgraded in 1987, though still falling short of full recognition. Furthermore, Greece increasingly pursued relations with the Arab world through the prism and on the basis of European policies. Eventually, on May 21, 1990, under the liberal-conservative Nea Demokratia administration headed by Greek Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis, Athens proceeded with the de jure recognition of the state of Israel (Konstantinou, 2010).
