Cyprus political parties establish local chapter of Transatlantic Friends of Israel

On September 30, 2026, legislators from three major Cypriot political parties—DIKO, DISY, and ELAM—officially launched a Cyprus chapter of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI). The group, which advocates for integrating Israel into the security, political, and economic framework of the West, is chaired by DIKO leader Nikolas Papadopoulos. Vice-chairs include DISY MPs Charalambos Petrides and Giorgos Karoullas, as well as ELAM MP Sotiris Ioannou.

The new chapter brings together parties representing a parliamentary majority of 33 seats. The establishment of this group follows a visit to Cyprus by Israeli President Isaac Herzog and occurred just one week before the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. This initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts of the current and previous Cypriot governments to deepen diplomatic and security ties with both Israel and the United States.

The formation of this group highlights an ideological divide within the Cypriot parliament, as the left-wing party AKEL recently organized protests outside the Presidential Palace opposing such cooperation. Supporters of the TFI chapter emphasize that these geopolitical steps are essential for regional stability. Future activities are expected to further strengthen legislative and party-level cooperation between Cyprus and Israel.