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Türkiye is closely monitoring Israel’s efforts to acquire property in Greek Cypriot areas, settle in the region, and expand its influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, diplomatic sources said.
The diplomatic sources emphasized that all necessary measures have been taken.
Diplomatic and security sources told Türkiye daily that Israel’s growing activities in southern Cyprus, including property acquisitions along the coast and attempts to shift the balance in the Mediterranean, are firmly on Ankara’s radar.
“Israel’s activities in Cyprus are being closely monitored. It is not possible for the balances in the Mediterranean to change. All necessary measures are being taken,” the sources said.
In addition to monitoring developments in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Türkiye is also on alert against what officials described as Israeli attempts to turn the island into a “Zionist island,” though they did not provide details about the measures being taken.
Israel has reportedly been purchasing land and property, particularly along Cyprus’s coastal areas, while strengthening cooperation with Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration to expand its influence on the island.
As part of this effort, Israel has harassed the Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza with drones launched from ports around Crete, according to the report.
Ankara also views Israel’s opposition to Türkiye’s Maritime Jurisdiction Agreement with Libya and a recent joint naval exercise with Egypt—resumed after a 13-year hiatus—as part of the broader tensions.
Seeking to expand its share of Eastern Mediterranean energy resources, Israel has pursued cooperation with regional states.
But aside from Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, it has struggled to secure wider support, prompting efforts to use Cyprus as a strategic base.
In February, Türkiye Today reported that Greek Cyprus is set to host a $70 million “Zionist school” in Limassol, raising concerns about demographic and political shifts in the region.
Despite opposition, the project was approved by the Greek Cypriot government and Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli.
The school, slated to open in 2027, will accommodate 1,500 students and prioritize Jewish families migrating from Israel and abroad.
Most recently, the Greek Cypriot administration procured Israeli-made Barak-MX air defense systems, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries.
A deal signed in 2024 has not been fully disclosed, and it remains unclear how many systems were purchased or whether the versions are export-modified.
Greek media reported the systems will be stationed at Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos. Initially, Greek Cyprus sought to buy Israel’s Iron Dome system but later opted for the more advanced Barak-MX.
At a Sept. 18 press briefing, Turkish Defense Ministry officials said Türkiye is closely monitoring any attempts to disrupt the balance on the island and has taken all necessary measures.
“The Turkish Cypriot people are also under Türkiye’s protection,” the ministry said.
“We want to remind once again that the Greek Cypriot administration’s ongoing armament efforts and activities that will undermine peace and stability on the island may have dangerous consequences,” the officials added.
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