“The Christodoulides government’s policy and rhetoric regarding the military relations with the US and Israel constitute a game of fire, to the detriment of Cyprus’ interests and security. The advertised engagement with NATO and the US involvement in the upgrading of the Andreas Papandreou air base and the Evangelos Florakis naval base constitute the involvement of the country in the militarization of the Eastern Mediterranean and add risks and threats to the security of our country and our people,” said AKEL, the Progressive Party of Working People in Cyprus

Israeli commandos board in Cyprus a C-130H Karnaf for their flight back to Israel, June 2022 (Photo: Israeli Army)

The Minister of Defense’s statements that “the Israelis can be in Cyprus in three minutes. On the contrary, it takes some time for Greece to provide support” reveal dangerous illusions and raise new questions about the role that the Christodoulides government reserves for the State of Israel. According to AKEL, “A large section of the public understandably wonders whether the island has become an ‘unguarded vineyard’ for the military forces and secret services of Israel.”

AKEL stresses that the country’s infrastructure and defense capabilities are intended to serve Cyprus and its interests, not foreign powers and foreign interests. The Israeli army in June 2022, 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.

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32381