Qatar Joins Military Drills with Israel in Greece, Sparking Uproar and Questions of Normalization
Participation in “Iniochos 2025” alongside Israel and the UAE raises concerns over Qatar’s stance on Palestine and fuels speculation about quiet normalization.
Watan-In a surprising move that contradicts its publicly stated positions, media reports have revealed that the Qatari Air Force is participating alongside the Israeli occupation army in regional military exercises hosted by Greece, as part of the annual multinational air training known as “Iniochos 2025.”
The drills began this week at the Andravida Air Base in northwestern Greece, with the participation of Qatar, the UAE, France, and Israel. The exercises simulate “future air wars,” featuring both daytime and nighttime combat operations and advanced F-16 fighter jet training using sophisticated digital systems.
What stands out is not only the presence of Israel but also the Israeli army’s formal request to keep its participation secret—a request the Greek forces did not comply with. Greece published the list of participating countries, exposing the extent of Israel’s military integration into joint exercises with Arab countries such as Qatar and the UAE.
Qatar’s Military Participation with Israel Raises Normalization Fears
According to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster, the Israeli army was surprised by the announcement, having hoped to keep the cooperation confidential—especially as the war in Gaza rages on and accusations of war crimes against civilians continue to mount.
The event raises serious questions about Qatar’s foreign policy direction, which has long been rooted in support for the Palestinian cause and backing the resistance both politically and in the media. Qatar’s participation in drills alongside Israel has sparked widespread controversy and anger on social media platforms.
The exercises also coincide with statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump about his intention to expand the “Abraham Accords,” fueling speculation about how close Doha might be to joining the normalization track—despite Qatar’s repeated official denials of any rapprochement with Israel.
So, does Qatar’s participation in these drills open the door to a soft normalization via military cooperation? Or will Doha justify it as part of an international training effort with no political implications? The coming days will reveal the direction of this shifting and unpredictable scene.
