Greece, Cyprus, France join Israel in naval exercise

The Israeli military said it conducted a joint naval exercise with Greece and Cyprus, in the latest sign of increased cooperation among three countries that view Turkey as a rival in the Mediterranean Sea.

It said the "Noble Dina" exercise, which was led by Israel and also included France, covered "anti-submarine procedures, search and rescue scenarios, and a scenario simulating battle between ships."

The exercise was concluded on Thursday.

"Over the past week, the Navy led a large-scale exercise in which it implemented capabilities in underwater warfare, search and rescue, convoy escort and surface combat," Rear Admiral Eyal Harel, the head of Israeli naval operations, said.

"These exercises are of paramount importance in strengthening the Navy's connection with foreign fleets who share common interests," he added.

Israel, Greece and Cyprus have taken a number of steps in recent months to cement ties, including advancing plans to build a 2,000 megawatt undersea electricity cable and a 1,900-kilometer (1,300-mile) undersea gas pipeline.

The three countries' defense ministers met in November and agreed to increase military cooperation.