Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit Cyprus amid protests

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to arrive in Cyprus on Thursday, September 10, 2026, for a one-day official visit at the invitation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The leaders will hold private talks at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, followed by expanded delegation meetings aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation, specifically focusing on regional security, energy, and defense matters. This visit follows a period of heightened regional tension involving Turkey and follows President Christodoulides' previous trip to Jerusalem in December 2025.

The diplomatic visit has triggered planned anti-war protests, with the Cyprus Peace Council and other activist groups organizing a demonstration outside the Presidential Palace at 18:30 on Thursday. Protesters, supported by the AKEL party, characterize the meeting as a provocation, citing Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. Critics argue that the visit undermines the resolution of the Cyprus problem and contradicts international law.

In response to the visit and the anticipated protests, the Cyprus Police have implemented heightened security measures, including intermittent road closures between Larnaca and Nicosia from 09:00 to 16:00. Authorities remain on high alert to manage both the diplomatic event and the public demonstrations occurring throughout the day.