Athens: Cyprus is set to buy Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system, which has been successful against a barrage of hundreds of rockets. It is being reported that Cyprus’s Ministry of Defense has discussed the matter with Israel. According to a newspaper, Cyprus may deploy Iron Dome to counter the Turkish threat.
Moreover, Cyprus and Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea have been at loggerheads for decades. Turkey has taken control of the territory in the north of Cyprus and fears that Turkey is preparing to attack the rest of Cyprus. There have been instances of Turkish warplanes and patrol vessels travelling near the border of Cyprus. Against this backdrop, a Greek newspaper claimed that Cyprus was making efforts to increase its defence preparedness and as a part of this, Cyprus has stepped up its moves to buy the Iron Dome air security system from Israel.
The newspaper said that talks on the Iron Dome deal between Israel and Cyprus had been completed and an announcement is expected soon. Last week, the Defence Minister of Cyprus visited Israel and met Israel’s Defence Minister, Benny Gantz. Over the past year, Israel has focused on increasing military cooperation with Cyprus and Greece, two countries linked to the Mediterranean Sea.
Meanwhile, just last week, fresh political cooperation was established between Israel and Turkey. Leaders from both countries announced that Turkey and Israel are eager to establish new cooperation, leaving behind the sharp differences that arose in the past. However, even if this cooperation is established, Israel is sending a message that it will not withdraw from cooperation with countries threatened by Turkey’s ambitions. Israel’s decision to supply the Iron Dome to Cyprus indicates the same.
Israel’s decision will add to Turkey’s worries. But for now, it is unlikely to impact the cooperation between Israel and Turkey directly. Because in the present time, cooperation with Israel has become a great necessity for the leadership of troubled Turkey. Turkish President Erdogan had initiated efforts to take over the leadership of Islamic countries from countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 
As a result, it was alleged that Turkey’s image as a reformist country with good relations with the West had fallen behind and the country had started its journey towards radicalization. But the events of the last few years forced the Turkish president to change his policy.
In order to recover the Turkish economy, Erdogan took the initiative to cooperate again with Saudi Arabia and the UAE and align with the West. The Turkish president’s decision to re-establish political relations with Israel is part of this changed policy. Even though Israel responded to this, it seems that Israel has made Turkey aware that they will not withdraw cooperation with countries that may be threatened by Turkey’s policies, such as Cyprus and Greece.
Related posts:
US has a comprehensive plan to counter Iranian threat, claims US Secretary of State
Israeli action in Gaza comparable to the Jewish genocide by Nazis – Turkish President showers criticism on Israel
Russia and Syria hold joint air military exercises following Israel’s attack on Damascus
Israel destroys Hamas bases after Gaza rocket attacks
Israel-Greece-Cyprus sign the agreement for EastMed Gas Pipeline
Israel approves project for supplying gas to Europe
Israel prepares for a war against Hezbollah – despatches special forces to Cyprus
