**Protesters Gather Outside Presidential Palace Over Herzog Visit**
Nicosia, Cyprus – A coalition of local and international activist groups gathered outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Thursday evening, September 10, 2026, to protest a meeting between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The demonstration commenced at 6:30 PM and was organized by eight groups, including Genocide Free Cyprus, Far Right Watch Cy, Cyprus Palestine Solidarity Action, BDS Cyprus, Cyprus Peace Council, the Alliance against Far Right, Fascism and Racism, KISA, and Voices for Palestine.
The coalition issued a direct statement to President Christodoulides, declaring, “Herzog is not welcome in Cyprus.” This protest is not an isolated incident; Herzog's previous visits to the island have also been met with organized opposition. During those events, demonstrators held banners labeling him “unwelcome” and chanted slogans such as “Stop the genocide” and “No to imperialist wars.”
The coalition expressed concerns regarding the purpose of the talks between Christodoulides and Herzog, which they believe are aimed at addressing tensions between Israel and Turkey. They characterized these discussions as a potential threat and accused the Cypriot government of deepening military cooperation with Israel. The protesters highlighted ongoing accusations of genocide against Israel from various international organizations, asserting that Israeli leaders are wanted for war crimes due to military actions in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.
The coalition emphasized that Israel views Cyprus as a crucial ally in its regional strategy. They noted that Herzog has previously referred to Cyprus as “essential” and has advocated for enhanced defense and security collaboration with both Greece and Cyprus. Recent developments, such as the Achilles’ Shield defense system and the Great Sea Interconnector, were cited as examples of Israel maintaining control and benefiting from these arrangements, while Cyprus and Greece bear the associated costs.
Additionally, the protesters linked the visit to the domestic political dynamics in Israel and Turkey. They argued that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is escalating tensions with Turkey in anticipation of the upcoming elections in October, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is similarly leveraging the situation for his political base. The coalition pointed out that Turkey has combined pro-Palestinian rhetoric with a trade embargo on Israel, despite continuing to ship oil to Israeli ports, with reports indicating that 14.4 million barrels have been shipped since Turkey's announcement of a trade suspension in 2024.
The activists accused President Christodoulides of pursuing an arms race with Turkey and aligning with Israel to gain favor with voters ahead of his re-election campaign. They warned that such actions could entangle Cyprus in a regional power struggle and jeopardize the island’s reunification efforts. The coalition argued that the funds allocated for arms purchases from Israel detract from essential services such as healthcare, education, and welfare.
The protesters articulated their demands, calling for an end to what they described as Christodoulides’s geopolitical maneuvering and advocating for freedom and justice for Palestine. The demonstration reflects a growing sentiment among certain segments of the Cypriot population regarding the implications of military cooperation with Israel and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Eastern Mediterranean.
As the protest unfolded, demonstrators remained peaceful, using the opportunity to voice their concerns about the potential ramifications of the meeting between the two leaders. The event concluded without any reported incidents, but it underscored the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on Cyprus's role in regional politics.
The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as the discussions between Christodoulides and Herzog progress and as the political landscape in both Israel and Turkey continues to evolve. The coalition's actions serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding international relations in the region and the diverse opinions held by the Cypriot populace.