The launch of a Greek Cypriot chapter of the Israel Allies Foundation sparked a political clash in the Greek Cypriot Administration, with the main opposition accusing participating lawmakers of turning parliament into a lobby for Israel.
The launch of the local chapter of the international pro-Israel advocacy group triggered a row among political parties on Thursday, according to the Cyprus Mail newspaper.
The controversy erupted after six members of parliament from the center-right DISY, the centrist DIKO, and the nationalist ELAM announced the establishment of the local chapter earlier this week.
The same parties had also launched a related Greek Cypriot chapter of Transatlantic Friends of Israel just two weeks earlier.
AKEL, the main left-wing opposition party, called the moves “extremely provocative” and “unprecedented” in the history of parliament, accusing the lawmakers of turning it into a lobby for Israel.
The party also mentioned how the American Jewish Committee, which established the Transatlantic Friends of Israel network, had organized a campaign to oppose resolutions and abolish UN mechanisms it considers “anti-Israel.”
AKEL pointed to Israel’s continued occupation and settlement of Palestinian territory, as well as the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry’s conclusion in September 2025 that genocide had been committed in Gaza.
The party added that some of Israel’s traditional Western allies had introduced sanctions against Israeli government officials and taken measures targeting illegal settlements.
AKEL also criticized the government of Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, citing the participation of Cabinet ministers in the group’s launch as well as Christodoulides receiving the group’s leadership.