**Protest Planned Ahead of Israeli President Herzog’s Visit to Cyprus**
The Cyprus Peace Council, alongside several anti-war organizations, is set to stage a protest on Thursday outside the presidential palace in Nicosia in response to the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Scheduled for 6:30 PM, the demonstration coincides with Herzog's one-day visit to Cyprus, which is taking place at the invitation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
The Cyprus Peace Council has labeled Herzog's visit a “huge provocation,” linking it to ongoing military operations conducted by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as its activities in Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. The organization is urging members of the public to join the protest to convey a clear message that Herzog is not welcome in Cyprus.
The protest organizers argue that strengthening ties between Cyprus and Israel could undermine efforts to resume meaningful negotiations regarding the Cyprus issue, potentially impacting the island's national security. They contend that the political relationship with Israel should be scrutinized in light of the current geopolitical climate and its implications for regional stability.
In contrast, the Israeli presidency has indicated that the discussions between Herzog and Christodoulides will focus on “deepening cooperation and strengthening ties between Israel and Cyprus.” Following their initial discussions, a bilateral meeting involving both delegations is expected to take place.
This visit marks a continuation of diplomatic engagement between the two nations, following President Christodoulides' trip to Israel in December 2025, where he met with Herzog in Jerusalem. The relationship between Cyprus and Israel has been characterized by various cooperative agreements, particularly in areas such as energy and security.
The Cyprus Peace Council has a history of organizing protests against Herzog’s visits, with a notable demonstration occurring in January 2025, where approximately 400 activists gathered outside the presidential palace. During that protest, demonstrators chanted “killer go home” as Herzog departed.
As the protest approaches, it remains to be seen how the Cypriot public will respond to the call for participation and what impact the demonstration may have on the ongoing diplomatic relationship between Cyprus and Israel.