Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit Cyprus amidst protests

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to arrive in Cyprus on Thursday, September 10, 2026, for a one-day diplomatic visit at the invitation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The visit will include private talks at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia followed by an expanded working lunch involving delegations from both nations to discuss bilateral ties, energy, defense, and regional security cooperation. This summit takes place against a backdrop of regional tensions involving Turkey and ongoing discussions regarding Cyprus's recent acquisition of the Israeli-made Barak MX air-defense system.

The visit has prompted significant public opposition, with the Cyprus Peace Council and various anti-war groups organizing a protest outside the Presidential Palace at 18:30 on the day of the visit. Activists describe the trip as a provocation, citing Israel's military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. The political party AKEL has also voiced strong opposition to the meeting. In response to the high-level visit and the planned demonstration, the Cypriot police have announced increased security measures, including periodic road closures in the Larnaca and Nicosia districts between 09:00 and 16:00 on Thursday. President Herzog is expected to depart from the Presidential Palace immediately following the working lunch.