Israeli President Isaac Herzog visits Cyprus for high-level bilateral talks

Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Nicosia on September 10, 2026, for a working visit at the invitation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The leaders held a private meeting at the Presidential Palace to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between their countries, focusing on sectors including tourism, trade, energy, defense, and security. President Christodoulides highlighted the record-breaking connectivity between the two nations, noting that weekly flights increased to over 200 this summer from an annual average of 140.

During the discussions, President Herzog expressed a personal aspiration for a future tripartite summit in Cyprus involving the leaders of Israel, Cyprus, and Lebanon to promote regional peace. While Nicosia indicated its willingness to host such a dialogue if requested, officials noted that the realization of this vision depends on internal developments within Israel and Lebanon. The visit was marked by increased police security measures in Nicosia and Larnaca, as activist groups, including the Cyprus Peace Council, organized protests against the visit, citing Israel’s ongoing military operations in the region.

The visit concluded with the leaders emphasizing their shared commitment to regional stability. Authorities maintained a heightened security presence throughout the day to monitor the demonstrations, which remained subject to the regulations of the Public Gatherings and Parades Law of 2025.