Suspicions of Israeli expansion in Cyprus ignite amid port purchase rumors

Recent events have cast a spotlight on Israel's increasing involvement in Cyprus, raising questions about its strategic intentions in the region.

Hasan Kucuk, a member of parliament from the Cyprus National Unity Party, has made significant claims about Israel's actions in Cyprus, suggesting a pattern similar to its past approach in Gaza.

Kucuk alleges that the number of Israeli citizens obtaining citizenship in the Greek Cypriot region has surged to 35%.

This increase, he claims, is part of a broader Israeli strategy to establish military bases and exert influence over key ports in southern Cyprus. "Israel is systematically setting the stage for an occupation, similar to their tactics in Palestine," Kucuk stated.

These allegations gain context with recent reports of Israel's interest in purchasing a Cypriot port.

The Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot reported Israel's potential acquisition of a Greek Cypriot port, primarily as a strategic response to security concerns at Haifa Port and to facilitate goods' inspection destined for a new American port near Gaza.

The Israeli Ports Company, led by Yitzhak Uzi, values this deal at about $140 million. The Cypriot Greeks reportedly responded positively.

However, this narrative faces opposition from Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos. In a press conference in Beirut, Kombos refuted these claims, labeling them as unfounded. "These reports are baseless," he asserted, starkly contrasting the claims made in the Yediot Ahronot article.

If substantiated, the allegations of Israeli expansion in Cyprus could significantly alter the region's geopolitical landscape. These developments are drawing close attention from the international community, particularly given Cyprus's strategic significance in the region and the potential implications for broader regional stability.

Source: Newsroom