Police tighten security in Larnaca and Nicosia for Israeli president’s visit

Nicosia, Cyprus. Police will step up security measures in Larnaca and Nicosia on Thursday during a one-day visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Road closures will be imposed intermittently from 9am to 4pm in the Larnaca district, on the Larnaca-Nicosia highway and in the Nicosia district.

Traffic measures

Police said the closures would last several minutes at a time along affected routes. Drivers and members of the public were urged to follow instructions from officers deployed in the areas.

Presidential talks

Herzog is visiting Cyprus at the invitation of President Nikos Christodoulides. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

The Israeli presidency said the presidents would discuss “deepening cooperation and strengthening ties between Israel and Cyprus”, followed by talks between their delegations.

Planned protest

The Cyprus Peace Council and other anti-war groups have organised a protest outside the presidential palace in Nicosia at 6.30pm, after the official programme.

Organisers described Herzog’s visit as a “huge provocation” over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as its actions in Lebanon, Syria and Iran. They called on the public to attend and “send a strong message” that Herzog is not welcome in Cyprus.