Israel Condemns Turkish Military Presence in Cyprus

The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement on July 20, 2026, expressing solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus on the 52nd anniversary of Turkey's 1974 invasion. Israel reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Cyprus, calling Turkey's continued military presence in the north and unilateral attempts to alter the status quo "unacceptable."

As a strategic partner and neighbor, Israel called for the resumption of negotiations to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict. This diplomatic stance aligns with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "hexagon of alliances," which emphasizes strengthened ties between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.

The gesture follows a period of regional friction. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan previously accused Israel of forming alliances against Muslim countries, while Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman criticized the partnership between Cyprus and a state he claimed kills children.