Israeli media analysis calls for a contingency plan to ‘liberate’ Northern Cyprus

An analysis by Shay Gal published in the newspaper Israel Hayom has claimed that Northern Cyprus now poses a problem not only for Greek Cypriots but also for Israel.

The article stated that the 51st anniversary of Türkiye’s 1974 military operation is a lasting trauma for Greek Cypriots, while arguing that Israel, which has for decades viewed this conflict as a distant Greco-Turkish issue, must now change its stance.

The analysis included the claim that “Northern Cyprus functions as an international lawless zone, providing unlimited operational freedom to Türkiye and terrorist organizations like Hamas and Iran’s Quds Force.”

The article used the statements, “According to leaked intelligence documents, senior Turkish officials described Northern Cyprus as the ideal place where ‘anything can be done without the interference of police or judicial oversight.’”

Direct ballistic threat to Israel

It was noted that Türkiye can deploy armed unmanned aerial vehicles from Geçitkale, which was converted from an abandoned airport into a UAV base during regional natural gas disputes, much faster than from its mainland bases.

It was recalled that Bayraktar TB2 UAVs have been officially stationed there since May 2021, and the more advanced Akıncı UCAVs were displayed at a military parade in July 2024.

It was suggested that these aerial vehicles could rapidly target Israel’s gas facilities, naval vessels, and strategic points.

Furthermore, it was claimed that Türkiye’s advanced Atmaca anti-ship missiles, with a range exceeding 200 kilometers, could directly threaten Israel’s maritime assets, including critical natural gas platforms.

The article stated, “Türkiye’s new Tayfun ballistic missile has the capability to strike targets up to 560 kilometers away with precision. According to Western intelligence, missile bases in Kyrenia and Famagusta are already ready for deployment. This constitutes Türkiye’s first direct ballistic threat to Israel and is capable of hitting Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Haifa Bay.”

Invasion plan

The article included the following statements:

“It is not Israel’s role or desire to liberate Northern Cyprus. However, if the threat from the region reaches a critical threshold, Israel’s strategic posture must change. Israel, in coordination with Greece and Cyprus, must prepare a contingency operation to liberate the northern part of the island.”

It was argued that such an operation would neutralize Türkiye’s ability to send reinforcements from the mainland, eliminate air defense systems in Northern Cyprus, destroy intelligence and command centers, and finally, expel Turkish forces from the region, thereby re-establishing internationally recognized Cypriot sovereignty.

It was noted that this contingency plan could be named “Poseidon’s Wrath,” in reference to the Greek god of the seas, stating, “This name emphasizes Israel’s focus on protecting its strategic maritime assets and maintaining open sea lanes critical for regional security. Israel does not seek conflict but must be fully prepared.”

The article concluded with the warning, “Israel’s previously unlikely attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure was ultimately carried out. Türkiye, which is building the troubled Akkuyu nuclear power plant on the Mediterranean coast—a project Russia quickly abandoned due to known risks—should learn its lesson from this.”