Israeli analyst calls for Israel to liberate north Cyprus and expell Turks from the island: Says the TRNC is Israel's problem

 

Tel Aviv, Israel – A controversial opinion piece published in the Israeli daily Israel Hayom by international political analyst Shay Gal calling for a "contingency operation for liberating the northern part of Cyprus" in coordination with Greece and southern Cyprus government, suggesting that “Turks must be removed from Northern Cyprus,” warning of growing security threats emanating from the region has sparked a diplomatic stir.

The piece describes the 1974 Turkish intervention as an “invasion,” brands the TRNC as an “international no-man’s land,” and goes so far as to outline steps to “remove Turkish forces” - including neutralising air defences and striking Turkish command centres.

It FALSELY claims that the TRNC is a hub for Hamas and Quds Force activity, hosting Turkish missile systems aimed at Israel - all while erasing the very existence of the Turkish Cypriot people.

In the article, Gal contends that Cyprus should no longer be viewed solely as a Greek-Turkish conflict but as a matter of Israeli national security. “Northern Cyprus is not just a Cypriot issue—it is now also an Israeli concern,” he wrote.

Gal argues that the Turkish-controlled north of the island has become a "lawless zone," providing operational freedom for actors such as Hamas and Iran's Quds Force. He claims the region is evolving into a forward operating base for the Turkish military, housing sophisticated surveillance and intelligence-gathering systems capable of monitoring Israeli communications and infrastructure.

“Israel must be prepared to reassess its strategic posture,” Gal warned, suggesting a joint emergency operation in coordination with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus to counter escalating threats. “If the threat from the region reaches a critical threshold, Israel, in coordination with its allies, must be ready to neutralize air defense systems, dismantle intelligence hubs, and remove Turkish forces to restore the internationally recognized sovereignty of Cyprus.”

Reacting to the article, @young.turkish.cypriots said this isn’t journalism but incitement.

@young.turkish.cypriots went further saying the TRNC is home to 400,000 people. Turkish Cypriots are not occupiers - Cyprus is their home.

Since 1974, the island has seen 51 years of peace, with Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots living side-by-side in separate states. Talk of “liberation” threatens to reignite tensions and undo decades of stability.

@young.turkish.cypriots condemn the article as warmongering.

The article marks the 51st anniversary of Turkey’s 1974 intervention in Cyprus, which led to the division of the island. Gal emphasized that since then, the Turkish military presence has transformed, allegedly turning Northern Cyprus into a hub for illicit activities, including terrorism financing and money laundering.

Citing intelligence reports, Gal claims that Northern Cyprus has become a base for Iranian and Turkish financial networks funneling funds to terror groups such as Hamas. He also referenced operations in 2021 and 2023 during which Israeli security forces discovered plans by Hamas to establish an operational cell in Northern Cyprus and Turkey to target Israeli citizens in Europe.

Gal further pointed to the militarization of Geçitkale Air Base, where Turkish armed drones—including Bayraktar TB2s and the more advanced Akıncı UAVs—have been deployed. These drones, he asserted, are capable of striking Israeli naval and energy assets. The presence of long-range Turkish missiles such as the ATMACA anti-ship missile and the newly developed Typhoon ballistic missile, reportedly stationed in Kyrenia and Famagusta, adds to what Gal described as an “unprecedented direct ballistic threat” to Israel.

He also criticized the European Union for maintaining security cooperation with Turkey despite what he describes as the illegal occupation of EU territory in Cyprus. Gal said this contradiction undermines EU credibility and poses strategic risks to Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.

Beyond military threats, Gal argued that the occupied north has become a breeding ground for espionage and criminal operations. He claimed that Turkish intelligence and criminal networks are using hotels, casinos, universities, and ports in Northern Cyprus for covert operations including surveillance, blackmail, and so-called "honey trap" missions targeting international officials.

While Gal emphasized that Israel is not seeking conflict, he underscored the need for readiness, drawing a parallel to the Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear infrastructure once deemed improbable. As a symbolic gesture, he proposed naming a potential emergency intervention plan “Poseidon's Wrath”—a reference to the mythical god of the sea, signifying control over maritime domains and deterrence in the face of strategic threats.

“The plan must remain a contingency—Israel does not seek confrontation. But it must be fully prepared,” Gal concluded, referencing the potential risks posed by Turkey’s ongoing construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which has already seen Russian support diminish due to safety concerns.

The opinion piece has yet to receive an official response from the Turkish government, but it is likely to draw criticism given its provocative language and strategic implications.