Israeli President Herzog meets Christodoulides in Nicosia amid security measures

Nicosia, Cyprus. Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived at the presidential palace on Thursday for talks with President Nikos Christodoulides, with heightened security measures in place and anti-war groups preparing a protest.

The two presidents were scheduled to discuss strengthening relations between Cyprus and Israel in a private meeting, followed by talks between their delegations.

Meetings and bilateral relations

According to the Israeli president’s office, the visit is part of regular contacts between Herzog and Christodoulides and is intended to “deepen cooperation and strengthen ties between Israel and Cyprus”.

Herzog’s visit follows Christodoulides’ trip to Israel in December 2025, when he met the Israeli president in Jerusalem.

Security measures and protest

Police announced road closures and increased security measures from 9am to 4pm in Larnaca, along the Larnaca-Nicosia highway and in parts of Nicosia.

The Cyprus Peace Council and other activist groups were due to protest outside the presidential palace at 6.30pm, following the meeting between Herzog and Christodoulides.

The organisers described the visit as a “huge provocation”, citing Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran, as well as increased settler violence in the West Bank.

The groups also argued that closer relations with Israel could undermine efforts to resume substantive negotiations on the Cyprus problem and affect national security.