The Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) launched two new parliamentary caucuses in Greece and Cyprus this week, seeking to strengthen ties with Israel and expand cooperation on regional security, energy, and technology.
The Greek Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus was inaugurated at the Hellenic Parliament in Athens on Tuesday, followed by the launch of the Cyprus Israel Allies Caucus at the House of Representatives in Nicosia on Wednesday.
The new caucuses aim to build on the existing trilateral partnership between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, with a particular focus on security challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean, including tensions with Turkey.
“The new Israel Allies Caucuses in Greece and Cyprus will help translate these commitments into parliamentary action,” said Leo van Doesburg, executive director of IAF Europe.
“Turkish threats must be met with solidarity, not silence. Ankara has no veto over our partnerships or our security,” he added.
Cyprus, Greece, Israel ties 'more vital than ever'
In Greece, parliamentarians Konstantinos Tsiaras and Harris Theoharis will co-chair the caucus. The launch ceremony was attended by IAF President Josh Reinstein, van Doesburg, and Irini Karipidis, CEO of Amani and president of Aris FC, who will serve as the caucus's acting director.
Tsiaras said the initiative comes amid growing regional security challenges and proves the three countries' shared strategic interests and historical ties.
In Cyprus, the new caucus will be chaired by Democratic Party MP Chrysis Pantelides and will include six lawmakers from three political parties.
The launch followed a meeting between the IAF delegation and Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace. The delegation was also hosted by House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou.
Pantelides emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between Cyprus and Israel in light of regional security threats.
“The strengthening of relations and the development of alliance ties between Cyprus and Israel is more vital than ever,” he said, citing the security challenges facing both countries.
Israeli ambassadors attended the launches in their respective host countries, while the US ambassador to Cyprus also attended the ceremony in Nicosia.
Reinstein welcomed the establishment of the two caucuses, saying they would help strengthen parliamentary cooperation and support for Israel.
“Through faith-based diplomacy, we are building a bridge between parliamentarians who understand that Israel's security, and the security of the free world, depend on strong alliances rooted in shared Judeo-Christian values,” he said.