Akel and Disy clash over launch of pro-Israel parliamentary group

Nicosia, Cyprus. The launch of a Cypriot branch of the Israel Allies Foundation triggered a heated dispute between Akel and Disy on Thursday over pro-Israel advocacy within the island’s political institutions. Akel accused Disy, Diko and Elam of transforming parliament into a lobbying platform for Israel.

Six MPs establish Cyprus chapter

Earlier in the week, six MPs announced the establishment of the local chapter of the Israel Allies Foundation, an international organisation advocating for Israel.

The members are Diko’s Andreas Apostolou and Chrysis Pantelides, Disy’s George Karoullas and Charalambos Petrides, and Elam’s Sotiris Ioannou and Marios Pelekanos.

The announcement came two weeks after MPs representing the same three parties launched a Cypriot chapter of Transatlantic Friends of Israel.

Akel questions consistency with Cyprus positions

In a statement, Akel described the initiative as “extremely provocative” and “unprecedented” in the history of the Cypriot parliament.

The party questioned whether participation by Cypriot lawmakers was compatible with Cyprus’s campaign against Turkey’s occupation, which it said was grounded in international law and United Nations resolutions.

Akel also questioned the message conveyed by their involvement and whether Cyprus could credibly seek pressure on Turkey while supporting a state it characterised as another occupying power engaged in settlement activity, an apparent reference to Israel.

Criticism of advocacy and Israeli policies

Akel said the American Jewish Committee, which established Transatlantic Friends of Israel, had mounted a campaign urging votes against resolutions and the abolition of UN mechanisms that the committee considers hostile to Israel.

The party cited what it described as Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory and settlement activity there. It also referred to a finding by the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry that genocide had occurred in Gaza.

Akel added that even countries traditionally allied with Israel in the West were imposing sanctions on members of the Netanyahu government and advancing measures targeting illegal settlements.