Israeli President Herzog's Visit to Cyprus Amid Tensions with Turkey

cyprus - Israeli President Herzog faced protests during his surprise visit to Cyprus, following the new developments in Syria. Herzog's visit to Cyprus comes as Israel, together with Cyprus and Greece, is looking to counter Turkey's influence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog made a surprise visit to the Cypriot administration amid growing tensions in the region. Herzog's visit was met with protests from the Cypriot opposition and civil society organizations, and he left the island after just an hour. The visit comes at a time when Israel, Cyprus, and Greece have been forming an anti-Turkey alliance in the struggle to share energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Herzog's unannounced visit took place while the Israeli government sees Turkey as a new threat in Syria and holds special meetings on the issue. Meanwhile, Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides received another surprise guest shortly before Herzog's arrival, the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan.

During the meetings, discussions focused on the developments in Syria and their impact on the region. The visit sparked strong reactions from the Cypriot opposition and civil society groups. Palestinian-supporting organizations protested outside the presidential building, holding banners in English with slogans like "Go back home, murderer" and "Unwanted man, we stand with Palestine, you are not welcome here."

Following the protests, Herzog returned to Israel after a one-hour meeting. Before Herzog's visit, another important visitor to Cyprus was the UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan. Furthermore, Cypriot leader explained that they discussed the recent developments in Syria and potential implications for the region with both guests. Specific topics were also addressed in the meeting with Herzog, although details were not disclosed.