The growing presence of Israelis in Cyprus has come under scrutiny in an extensive Al Jazeera investigation examining the surge in tourism, property purchases and billions of euros in investments, alongside concerns expressed by sections of Cypriot society.
In an article titled “Election posters, mass tourism and property: Israel’s footprint in Cyprus”, Al Jazeera explores how the increasing economic and social presence of Israelis is affecting everyday life, the property market and political dynamics on the island.
One particularly striking detail concerns a Hebrew-language election billboard erected near Larnaca Airport ahead of Israel’s elections on 27 October.
The billboard featured former Israeli military chief and politician Gadi Eisenkot, encouraging Israelis staying in Cyprus to return home to vote.
According to the report, the development illustrates Cyprus’ growing importance to Israeli society, as increasing numbers of Israelis choose the island for holidays or permanent residence.
Nearly 600,000 Israeli tourist arrivals and €5.1 billion in investments
Citing figures from the Cyprus Statistical Service, Al Jazeera reports that nearly 600,000 tourist trips from Israel to Cyprus were recorded in 2025, more than double the number registered in 2022.
In August 2026, almost one in four tourists visiting Cyprus reportedly came from Israel, representing a 28.4% increase compared with the same period the previous year.
Investment activity has also expanded significantly.
According to Central Bank of Cyprus figures cited by Al Jazeera, the value of Israeli investments increased more than sixfold between 2017 and 2024, reaching €5.1 billion.
During the same period, the report states that overall foreign investment in Cyprus declined, highlighting the contrasting trend in Israeli investment activity.
Property purchases and concerns over gated communities
The investigation places particular emphasis on the property market, especially in the Larnaca district.
According to Interior Ministry figures cited by Al Jazeera, Israeli nationals purchased 850 properties in the district during the 12 months ending in September 2025, more than buyers of any other foreign nationality.
The report examines major residential and tourism developments between Livadia and Pyla, as well as an investment project in Dromolaxia and Meneou involving housing, a kindergarten, swimming pools and a private park.
It also addresses concerns surrounding gated residential communities.
Some residents and political figures fear that the concentration of properties under Israeli ownership could restrict local access to certain areas.
However, Al Jazeera acknowledges that no official figures establish how many such developments exist.
The nationality of the ultimate property owners is also not always identifiable when purchases are made through Cyprus-registered companies.
Jewish school in Limassol and reported village purchases in Paphos
The investigation also examines the construction of a Jewish school in Polemidia, Limassol, funded by the Yael Foundation.
The school is expected to accommodate up to 1,500 students.
Al Jazeera refers to previous objections concerning planning procedures and the information provided to local authorities.
Another case highlighted involves the abandoned village of Trozena in the Paphos district.
A businessman holding Israeli and Hungarian citizenship reportedly purchased approximately 70% to 80% of the village and surrounding agricultural land.
Citing an investigation by Cypriot journalist Yiannis Pazouros, Al Jazeera reports allegations that the investor paid amounts exceeding the market value of the properties.
However, the international news outlet acknowledges that it was unable to independently verify all the claims surrounding these transactions.
Activists and academics express differing views
The investigation includes comments from residents, academics and activists who link the economic developments to the close political relationship between Cyprus and Israel, particularly against the backdrop of the war in Gaza.
Actress and activist Melanie Steliou expresses concern about growing Israeli influence on the island.
Historian and analyst Theodosis Pipis argues that, unlike previous waves of foreign investment, the current Israeli presence includes schools, housing and other facilities suggesting long-term settlement.
Academic Nasia Hadjigeorgiou, meanwhile, suggests that some concerns about gated communities may be exaggerated.
Nevertheless, she emphasises that residential developments restricting property purchases exclusively to members of a particular nationality would conflict with principles of non-discrimination.
The report also revisits earlier statements by AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou, who had expressed concern about large-scale purchases of land and property by Israeli investors.
Those remarks were criticised by former Israeli ambassador to Cyprus Oren Anolik, who argued that they contributed to the targeting of the Jewish community.
Political implications and Cyprus-Israel relations
Beyond tourism and investment, Al Jazeera examines the political dimensions of relations between Cyprus and Israel.
The investigation refers to the establishment of a parliamentary friendship group with Israel on 20 October, involving six Cypriot MPs and initiated by the Israel Allies Foundation.
It also explores differing perspectives on the strategic partnership between Nicosia and Tel Aviv, at a time when Cyprus is seeking to strengthen its regional role in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The report highlights the particular sensitivity of questions surrounding land ownership, displacement and housing in a country still experiencing the consequences of the Turkish invasion of 1974.
Ultimately, Al Jazeera presents Israeli involvement in Cyprus as an issue extending beyond tourism and investment, raising broader questions about social cohesion, political influence and the island’s long-term development.
Source: Al Jazeera
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