Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit Cyprus on September 10 amid protests

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to conduct a one-day diplomatic visit to Cyprus on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the invitation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The two leaders are set to meet at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia for private discussions, followed by expanded delegation talks focused on deepening cooperation between the two nations, with specific themes including defense, energy, and regional security. This visit occurs against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tension in the Eastern Mediterranean and strained relations between Israel and Turkey.

The upcoming meeting has drawn significant public criticism. The Cyprus Peace Council and various anti-war organizations have organized a protest to take place outside the Presidential Palace at 18:30 on the day of the visit. Demonstrators have labeled the summit a provocation, citing ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. Organizers claim that closer bilateral ties jeopardize regional security and undermine efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem. This visit marks Herzog's first trip to the island since January 2025, when a similar meeting also triggered organized public protests.