AKEL, the main Cypriot opposition party has slammed the government for hosting recently concluded Israeli occupation army military drills, calling it “a dangerous development for Cyprus.” The Israeli army on Thursday wrapped up a major military exercise in Cyprus, simulating a military ground offensive deep inside Lebanon in a potential war against the Hezbollah.
The Mediterranean Island was chosen both for its terrain — mountainous along a coastal plain, like Lebanon — and its proximity to Israel. The drill simulated various difficulties in a ground assault, such as food, water, and ammunition supply; communication issues; and the general complications in operating in unfamiliar territory.
Cyprus did not directly participate in the exercise. Still, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and IDF chief Aviv Kohavi hailed the “strategic alliance” between the countries during the drill. Israel sees the Eastern Mediterranean region as an area of significant interest in order to maintain security stability, where “strategic cooperation” with partners — such as Cyprus and Greece — is of high importance, officials said. Also, during the final week of the major monthlong exercise — dubbed Chariots of Fire — the Air Force simulated airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, over the Mediterranean Sea.
According to communist AKEL, “The recent exercise by the Israeli army on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus constitutes a new dangerous development. Cities and residential areas of our country cannot be turned into military training grounds to be used by any foreign army. Nor is it conceivable for Cyprus to nullify itself by forging cooperation with a foreign army that has decades of occupation, colonization, crimes and violations of international law in its CV, that is to say the same things our country is still being subjected to by the occupying power Turkey.”
“The government needs to provide an explanation to the inhabitants of the areas that have experienced the dramatic picture of the Israeli army in the streets carrying out a military exercise of clearing residential areas. It needs to give an explanation to the Cypriot people whether it realizes the dangers that are being created by Cyprus’ involvement in the Israeli state’s military plans, but also the dangers arising from the use of Cypriot territory for rehearsing the launching of military operations against neighboring friendly states,” AKEL said.
“The theory that if Cyprus offers and gives everything to either Israel or the USA or any other third party, they will reciprocate by supporting Cyprus against Turkey has been disproved over and over again. Neither the militarization of regional partnerships nor the transformation of the Cypriot National Guard into supporting personnel of the Israeli army serve the interests and security of our country and people. It is in Cyprus’ interest that our island becomes a bridge of peace and not an aggressive launching pad or a military training ground for foreign armies.”
In addition, the Cyprus Mail also reported that there had been significant complaints from local residents over the damages and noise produced by military vehicles and artillery fire.
