Israel reportedly deploys air defense system in South Cyprus amid rising regional tensions

Israel has installed its Barak MX air defense system in South Cyprus, citing the need to protect the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) declared by Cyprus.

The move comes amid growing defense cooperation between Israel, Greece, the United States, and South Cyprus, with speculation that India may also become involved in the strategic alignment.

According to a report by Aydınlık, Israel also aims to transform South Cyprus into a cybersecurity hub. Unit 8200, the cyber intelligence division of the Israel Defense Forces, reportedly established a cybersecurity center in South Cyprus, which became operational in the first half of 2025.

Israel and South Cyprus previously signed defense agreements in 2017 and 2024, with Greece and the U.S. participating in joint initiatives. The latest deployment is viewed as part of an expanding security network in the Eastern Mediterranean.

South Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has publicly acknowledged that the defense systems are positioned against Turkey. Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security suggested that India could be drawn into the regional framework, particularly following tensions between Pakistan and India. Turkish support for Pakistan has fueled New Delhi’s displeasure, prompting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit South Cyprus in recent months.

“Turkey Must Act Quickly”

Speaking to Aydınlık, Dr. Mehmet Perinçek, Russia representative of Turkey’s Vatan Party, argued that Turkey is running out of time to push for international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Perinçek claimed that Israel’s actions amount to a broader encirclement strategy targeting not only Turkey but also Iran and the Eurasian region: “Israel has deployed air defense systems in Cyprus, taken control of airports in the South, and is buying land extensively in both the South and North. Cyprus is being turned into Israel’s backyard,” he said.

Perinçek also pointed out that Israeli media discussions have begun to openly reference possible intervention scenarios in Northern Cyprus, stressing the urgency of Turkey prioritizing TRNC recognition on the international stage.

Russia Link to TRNC Recognition

According to Perinçek, Russia may be open to recognizing the TRNC if Turkey formally acknowledges Crimea as Russian territory. He cited the July 2025 Eastern Mediterranean–Black Sea Conference in Istanbul, which included references to recognition of TRNC sovereignty alongside Abkhazia.

“Russia is ready,” Perinçek argued, noting that former U.S. President Donald Trump and others in the West have already suggested that Crimea’s return to Ukraine is no longer realistic. He urged Ankara to act swiftly, warning that delays would weaken the TRNC’s position in global diplomacy.

Wider Strategic Outlook

Perinçek underlined that confronting Israel requires strong partnerships across Eurasia, particularly with Russia, Iran, and Turkic states, while also strengthening Turkey’s domestic front.

He pointed to the strategic value of S-400 missile systems, saying they play a “critical role” in countering Israeli threats in Cyprus.

“Maintaining internal unity is essential. Israel does not only attack with bombs but also seeks to undermine states from within. To resist its plans, Turkey must secure both its defense capabilities and its domestic cohesion,” he said.

Source: kibrispostasi