Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim
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The mayor of Athens rebukes the Israeli ambassador to the country for the war on Gaza as he defends free speech for pro-Palestinians.
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Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)
A diplomatic spat erupted Sunday after Athens Mayor Haris Doukas rebuked the Israeli ambassador to Greece, Noam Katz, over accusations that the city had failed to remove so-called “antisemitic” graffiti, which Katz claimed offends Israeli tourists.
Doukas, a member of the Greek opposition Socialist Party (PASOK), responded firmly, saying on his official X account: “As the city's municipal authority, we have demonstrated our strong opposition to violence and racism, and we do not take lessons in democracy from those who kill civilians.”
He added that Athens “fully respects its visitors and supports its citizens’ right to free expression,” asserting the city’s democratic principles amid growing tensions over the Israeli occupation’s war on Gaza.
Israeli envoy blames Athens for tourist discomfort over graffiti
The controversy stems from statements Katz made to Kathimerini, Greece’s leading center-right newspaper, on Sunday. Katz alleged that the mayor was “not doing enough to protect his city from organized minorities,” who, he claimed, were responsible for graffiti targeting "Israel" and Zionism.
“The mayor is not cleaning up the city, which makes Israeli tourists feel uncomfortable,” Katz told Kathimerini, sparking public backlash.
Mayor Doukas condemned the remarks, describing them as a deflection from "Israel’s" ongoing crimes in Gaza.
“It is revolting that the ambassador focuses solely on graffiti (which is obviously being erased) while an unprecedented genocide is taking place in Gaza,” Doukas stated.
Gaza war ignites anti-occupation protests across Greece
Since the war on Gaza began in October 2023, Greece has witnessed a wave of mass protests in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Demonstrations have been especially prominent in Athens and other major cities, with many organized by leftist groups and pro-Palestinian activists.
Public outrage has also spread to the Greek islands. In recent weeks, the docking of the Crown Iris cruise ship, carrying Israeli tourists, prompted large-scale protests by hundreds of Greek citizens opposed to the occupation’s actions in Gaza.
Despite public outrage, Athens-Tel Aviv ties remain strong
Although Greece maintained a pro-Arab foreign policy for decades, its relationship with "Israel" has deepened since 2010, particularly in energy and security cooperation.
The current right-wing government under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in power since 2019, has further cemented these ties. While routinely condemning “terrorist acts” by Hamas, it has simultaneously acknowledged the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for increased aid.
However, public sentiment appears increasingly at odds with the government’s position, particularly as civilian casualties mount in the Strip.
Israeli presence grows in Greece amid Gaza war
According to Mayor Doukas, there has been a noticeable rise in Israeli citizens visiting and investing in Greece since the outbreak of the war.
“Over the past year, the number of Israelis obtaining a Greek 'golden visa' has increased by more than 90%,” Doukas revealed.
Experts note that Greece’s geographical proximity, mild political climate, and real estate sector have made it an increasingly attractive destination for Israeli investors and tourists alike, despite mounting local opposition over the war on Gaza.
