Cyprus MPs Launch Israel Allies Foundation Chapter, Sparking Political Row

Six Cypriot MPs—two from Diko, two from Disy and two from Elam—announced the creation of a Cyprus chapter of the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) on Thursday, following a similar launch of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel two weeks earlier. The move prompted a heated exchange between the opposition party Akel and the ruling coalition. Akel accused the MPs of turning the House into a lobby for Israel, citing concerns that Cyprus’s support for Israel undermines its stance against Turkish occupation and conflicts with UN resolutions. Disy rebuffed the criticism, arguing that strengthening ties with Israel is a strategic choice that does not compromise Cyprus’s Western orientation. IAF head Josh Reinstein said Turkey and Israel share a common adversary, while Diko MP Chrysis Pantelides defended the initiative as independent and cost‑free, noting past defence cooperation with Israel.