Athens Makes Promises After Pro-Palestinian Protests Block Israeli Cruise Ship

In Israel, however, officials are withholding judgment until they see real action: “The burden of proof now lies with the Greeks,” said diplomatic sources following the troubling incident.

Importantly, the decision not to allow passengers off the ship was made by the Israeli crew—it was not imposed by Greek authorities. The demonstration at the port was nonviolent, and local police promised to prevent any harm to passengers. Some of the Israelis on board responded with a counter-demonstration, waving Israeli flags and singing “Ma’aminim Bnei Ma’aminim” (Believers, sons of believers).

Still, for vacationing tourists, the situation may have felt threatening. Likely for that reason, the organizers preferred not to take any risks. Israel’s embassy raised the issue with senior Greek officials, stressing that such incidents directly harm Israeli tourism. Israeli officials emphasized, “The authorities are obligated to prevent harm to Israelis.”

Officials in Jerusalem expressed concern that the fact this occurred on a Greek island—not in a country considered more “hostile”—could heighten Israelis’ sense of insecurity abroad. “These incidents are piling up,” one official said. “And media coverage only amplifies that sense of unease. In absolute terms, there are far fewer [pro-Palestinian] incidents here than in nearly every European capital, from Amsterdam to Paris, from London to Madrid.”

Daniella, 30, from Ra’anana, who was aboard the ship, said: “There were about 200 protesters at the port entrance with Palestinian flags. They didn’t let us off the ship and even turned back those who had managed to get off. I understand this is the first time the ship docked here, and the protesters knew we were coming and waited for us. Yesterday we docked in Rhodes without any issue at all.” According to her, there was no panic among the passengers. “Everyone’s in good spirits.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke with his Greek counterpart, Giorgos Gerapetritis, requesting his intervention in resolving the situation. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement: “The Israeli embassy in Greece is in contact with the authorities about the ship and is closely following the matter. Efforts are underway to ensure the passengers can disembark safely.”