The tension between Israel and Iran had not yet subsided when another of the Jewish nation's neighbors began leveling accusations against it. This country is Cyprus, where the opposition party AKEL has claimed that Israel is taking over their country. The rising number of Israeli migrants in Cyprus and the increasing purchase of land in strategic areas are being cited as the primary reasons behind these concerns.
In a recent AKEL convention in Cyprus, the party’s General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou made this statement. He said that Israeli citizens are continuously buying land near sensitive and important areas, which could become a serious threat to national security. He urged the government to pay attention to this issue immediately.
Israel Following the Palestine Pattern
Stefanou alleged that all of this is part of a plan to settle Israeli people in Cyprus, under which religious institutions, Zionist schools, and Jewish places of worship are being established. He said this is the exact same pattern Israel followed in the Palestinian region.
They Are Taking Our Country While the Government Remains Silent
Stefanou claimed, “They are taking our country from us, and the government remains silent.” He demanded a ban on indiscriminate property purchases by foreign nationals, especially Israelis. Meanwhile, several analysts in Cyprus have also warned that this trend among Israeli migrants poses a threat to Cyprus’s future sovereignty and may cause potential economic imbalance.
These Are Anti-Semitic Remarks
Israel’s ambassador to Cyprus, Oren Anolik, criticized these statements, calling them “anti-Semitic.” He said such language in Cyprus’s public discourse is unacceptable. In response, Stefanou clarified his party’s position, stating that criticizing Israel’s policies should not be labeled as anti-Semitism.
Israel Does Not Tolerate Criticism
Stefanou further said that Israel cannot tolerate any criticism and wants to control every narrative. He alleged that even the UN Secretary-General’s criticism of the ongoing massacre in Gaza was branded anti-Semitic by Israel. According to a report by Mehr News, around 2,500 Israelis reside permanently in Cyprus. However, some experts believe the actual number could be between 12,000 and 15,000, as many enter using European passports.
