Launch of Israel Allies Foundation caucus sparks political dispute in Cyprus
Six MPs from Diko, Disy and Elam established a Cyprus caucus of the Israel Allies Foundation, drawing criticism from Akel amid accusations against Israel over Gaza.
Nicosia, Cyprus. The establishment of a parliamentary caucus affiliated with the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) has triggered a political dispute in Cyprus, with Akel accusing its founders of making parliament an Israeli lobbying platform. The launch comes against a backdrop of strengthening Nicosia–Tel Aviv relations and accusations that Israel has committed genocide and war crimes in Gaza.
Six MPs establish local caucus
The Cyprus group was formally launched on Wednesday, October 14, by six MPs representing Diko, Disy and Elam.
Its members are Diko’s Chrysis Pantelides and Andreas Apostolou, Disy’s Giorgos Karoullas and Charalambos Petrides, and Elam’s Sotiris Ioannou and Marios Pelekanos.
Akel directed its criticism at all three parties. In a statement, it described the initiative as highly provocative and without precedent in the history of Cyprus’s parliament.
The announcement prompted exchanges between Akel and Disy, highlighting their sharply different positions on relations with Israel.
Foundation’s background and activities
The IAF is a non-profit, non-governmental advocacy organisation supporting Israel, with groups operating across 68 parliaments. Orthodox rabbi Benny Elon founded it in 2007.
Elon, a prominent figure within the radical settler movement, supported the annexation of the West Bank and the “voluntary transfer” of Palestinians to Jordan.
The foundation says it cooperates with parliaments internationally, including the US Congress, to rally “faith-based support” for Israel.
According to its website, an IAF delegation attended a dinner in Cyprus as guests the day before the local caucus was unveiled.
President meets Aipac delegation
During the past week, President Nikos Christodoulides also hosted representatives of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) at the presidential palace.
The meeting marked another instance of outreach to Cyprus by pro-Israel lobbying organisations, alongside the establishment of the parliamentary caucus.
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