Al Jazeera report examines growing Israeli presence and influence in Cyprus

On October 20, 2026, Al Jazeera released a multi-part investigative report regarding the expansion of Israeli presence and strategic influence in Cyprus. Journalists Nils Adler and Nida Ibrahim highlighted that the state-owned Israeli water company, Mekorot, now manages 40% of Cyprus's water desalination capacity. The report noted that Mekorot is included on a United Nations list of companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, raising concerns among some sectors of Cypriot society regarding control over critical national infrastructure.

Separately, the network examined the deepening economic and social footprint of Israel in Cyprus, citing billions of euros in investments, booming real estate markets, and increased tourism. The investigation specifically pointed to a Hebrew-language election billboard spotted near Larnaca Airport ahead of the Israeli elections scheduled for October 27, 2026. The advertisement featured former Israeli army chief and politician Gadi Eisenkot, urging Israeli citizens in Cyprus to return home to vote. This incident serves as an illustration of the growing importance of the island for the Israeli population, which is increasingly utilizing Cyprus for both investment and residency purposes.