Newsletters
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkish Cyprus Tahsin Ertugruloglu criticized a proposal in Israel to lease Greek islands in the Aegean Sea for settlement, describing it as a “flawed” idea and likening it to past occupation projects.
Ertugruloglu said the idea, which has been discussed in Israel in recent periods, reflects a broader strategy and poses concerns for both Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ertugruloglu said the proposal to lease Greek-owned islands in the Aegean and settle Jewish populations there carries strategic implications.
He said the move could be aimed at encircling Türkiye and the TRNC.
“This is the product of a flawed mentality,” he said, adding: “In my personal view, this is a repetition of the occupation project in Palestine.”
Ertugruloglu said similar thinking dates back to the early 1900s and reflects ambitions to expand influence in Cyprus and the Aegean.
He also pointed to relations between Israel and the Greek Cypriot administration, saying the idea suggests a broader expansion from Cyprus toward the Aegean.
He described such a move as something that should be considered a “cause of war.”
The idea of acquiring Greek islands has been raised by Israeli political figure Avri Steiner, associated with the Blue and White party led by Benny Gantz.
Steiner suggested exploring the purchase of Greek islands as a humanitarian evacuation option in the event of a missile war.
He argued that Iran possesses thousands of ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel and raised concerns about protecting large populations.
Referring to past conflicts, Steiner said missiles during the 2006 war with Hezbollah reached areas such as Netanya and could now travel even further.
He said dozens of uninhabited islands in Greece could be developed, describing the concept as an “alternative Iron Dome.”
The proposal also included the possibility of establishing arrangements with Greece that could eventually involve transferring sovereignty.
Greece had previously identified around 40 uninhabited islands in 2012 that could be leased for extended periods as part of economic measures.
The proposal has resurfaced amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing conflict involving Israel, the U.S. and Iran.
Since Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel have carried out airstrikes on Iran, resulting in more than 1,340 deaths, including senior leadership figures.
Iran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as countries hosting U.S. military assets, including Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states.
The conflict has caused casualties, damage to infrastructure and disruptions to global markets and aviation.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
