Nicosia, June 29 (V7N) — A wave of Israeli citizens, fleeing security fears and political instability after the Iran-Israel conflict, has sparked concern in Cyprus as thousands seek refuge and invest heavily in local real estate.

Following Iranian missile strikes that devastated parts of Israel during the recent 12-day conflict, more than 12,000 Israelis have reportedly taken shelter in Cyprus, located just 421 kilometers away. Although some have begun returning home after the ceasefire, many have continued to purchase land and build homes, particularly in strategic areas near sensitive military zones.

This trend has alarmed Cyprus’s political leadership. Stefanos Stefanou, Secretary General of the main opposition AKEL Party, warned that unchecked land sales could pose a serious threat to the country’s sovereignty. “Cyprus is a small country with a strategic geographical location. If we are not careful now, we may not even have our own land in our own hands in the future. We may have to live like refugees in our own country,” Stefanou said in a statement.

Although European Union regulations allow EU citizens to freely purchase property in Cyprus, there are stricter rules for non-EU nationals. However, amid the surge in Israeli land purchases, AKEL has submitted two draft bills to parliament. These proposals aim to reform the ‘Golden Visa’ program and introduce stricter controls on land sales to non-EU buyers, particularly in areas near national security installations.

Ordinary Cypriots have also voiced unease, drawing parallels to the displacement of Palestinians and expressing fear that Cyprus could face a similar fate if the trend continues unchecked.

The Cypriot government has yet to formally respond, but debates in parliament are expected to intensify as public concern mounts over the influx of foreign buyers and its potential impact on national security and sovereignty.

END/RH/AJ