The key facts

  • Six MPs from DISY, DIKO and ELAM announced the creation of a Cyprus branch of the Israel Allies Foundation.
  • Two weeks earlier, the same parties had established a branch of Transatlantic Friends of Israel.
  • AKEL called the initiative 'highly provocative' and criticised the participation of ministers and President Christodoulides.

Political conflict over a pro-Israel lobbying group

The announcement of the creation of a Cyprus branch of the international pro-Israel organisation Israel Allies Foundation has sparked a political conflict in the Greek part of Cyprus. According to the newspaper Cyprus Mail, the dispute between parties flared up on Thursday after six MPs from the centre-right DISY, the centrist DIKO and the nationalist ELAM announced earlier this week the establishment of a local branch of the group.

Second such initiative in two weeks

The same parties had already created a related Cyprus branch of the organisation Transatlantic Friends of Israel two weeks earlier, a network founded by the American Jewish Committee.

AKEL's reaction

The main left-wing opposition party AKEL called these steps 'highly provocative' and 'unprecedented' in the history of parliament, accusing the MPs of turning parliament into an Israeli lobby. The party recalled that the American Jewish Committee had organised campaigns against resolutions and for the dismantling of UN mechanisms it considers 'anti-Israeli'.

Opposition arguments and criticism of the government

AKEL pointed to the ongoing occupation and settlement by Israel of Palestinian territories, as well as to the conclusion of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry in September 2025 that genocide was committed in Gaza. The party added that some traditional Western allies of Israel have imposed sanctions against Israeli officials and taken measures against illegal settlements. AKEL also criticised the government of President Nikos Christodoulides, citing the participation of cabinet ministers in the launch of the group and the fact that Christodoulides received its leadership.