Jerusalem, July 20, 2026 – Israel has issued a firm statement reaffirming its unwavering support for the Republic of Cyprus, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the island’s northern third.
In an official statement released by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel expressed solidarity with Cyprus while sharply criticizing the ongoing Turkish military presence and Ankara’s actions.
“Israel reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and stands in solidarity with Cyprus on the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion,” the statement read.
It continued: “The ongoing Turkish military presence in the north of the island, alongside Ankara’s persistent attempts to alter the status quo through unilateral actions, is unacceptable.”
As a strategic partner and neighbor in the Eastern Mediterranean, Israel called for the resumption of negotiations to achieve “a just, viable, and lasting solution to the conflict.”
Deepening Bilateral Ties
Israel and Cyprus have significantly strengthened their relationship in recent years, particularly in the fields of energy, defense, tourism, and technology. The two countries, along with Greece, have formed a strategic partnership often referred to as the “Eastern Mediterranean Alliance,” aimed at enhancing regional stability and countering common challenges.
The statement comes amid longstanding UN-led efforts to reunify the divided island, which have repeatedly stalled. Turkey maintains approximately 35,000 troops in the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Ankara.
Broader Context
The 1974 invasion followed a Greek-backed coup in Cyprus. Turkish forces seized control of 36% of the island, resulting in a de facto division that persists to this day. Tens of thousands of Greek Cypriots were displaced, and the conflict remains one of the longest-running frozen disputes in Europe.
While the European Union (of which Cyprus has been a member since 2004) has repeatedly condemned the occupation, critics argue that concrete measures to pressure Turkey have been limited. Some voices, particularly on social media and among conservative commentators, have highlighted the EU’s perceived inaction as evidence of institutional weakness.
Israel’s public show of support underscores its growing role as a reliable security partner in the region and its commitment to international norms regarding territorial integrity.