Cyprus’ growing defence cooperation with Israel and France, alongside reported plans to acquire Israeli Merkava tanks, is increasing Turkey’s concerns over the island’s geopolitical role, according to an analysis published by Greek newspaper Kathimerini.
Diplomatic correspondent Vassilis Nedos writes that Nicosia is in advanced discussions with Israel over the possible procurement of Merkava III and Merkava IV main battle tanks to replace the National Guard’s ageing Russian-made armour.
The report also notes that the Republic of Cyprus has already acquired Israeli-made Aerostar unmanned aerial vehicles and the BARAK-MX air and missile defence system, while defence cooperation between the two countries continues to expand.
Lebanon emerges as a key focus
According to the analysis, Turkey is seeking to strengthen its influence in Lebanon to prevent closer cooperation between Beirut, Nicosia and Athens.
The assessment follows Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s recent visit to Ankara, where he held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The report argues that Turkey’s priority is to ensure Lebanon maintains at least a neutral position in the regional competition between Turkey and Israel. It also suggests Ankara is concerned about the possibility of Lebanon joining trilateral or broader regional cooperation frameworks involving Cyprus and Greece.
EEZ agreement adds to tensions
The analysis says Turkey’s concerns have also been heightened by the finalisation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) delimitation agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and Lebanon at the end of 2025.
According to Kathimerini, the agreement completed Cyprus’ network of maritime delimitation deals with neighbouring countries in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The newspaper argues that Ankara is attempting to undermine this framework by promoting its own interpretation of maritime boundaries through the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum, while also encouraging Syria to pursue an agreement that would disregard Cyprus’ maritime entitlements.
Eastern Mediterranean role expands
The report further notes that the planned conclusion of the UNIFIL naval mission has prompted discussions about a more frequent presence of Greek naval units in Cyprus.
It adds that Cyprus’ defence agreement with France, which allows the use of military facilities on the island, together with increasingly close security cooperation with Israel, is reinforcing the Republic’s strategic importance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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