Newsroom
Talk of a joint rapid intervention force between Cyprus, Greece, and Israel has resurfaced in the media, but the Cyprus government is pushing back hard, calling the reports “false and premature.”
On Thursday, the Jerusalem Post cited three “official sources” claiming that a brigade-level force was in the works, staffed by roughly 1,000 Greek soldiers, 1,000 Israelis, and 500 Cypriots, covering land, air, and naval operations. Greek and Israeli islands were floated as potential bases. According to these reports, the move was meant to protect energy infrastructure, bolster maritime security, and counter Turkey’s growing military influence in the region.
But Cyprus’ Minister of Defense, Vassilis Palmas, firmly denied any such plan exists. “There is no official government agreement or decision to form a joint rapid intervention force,” Palmas said, rejecting scenarios that suggested the force was imminent.
The confusion stems partly from actual military meetings that did take place, including a session between Israel’s Air Force Chief of Staff Tomer Bar and senior officials from Cyprus and Greece. Israeli media described it as an effort to strengthen airspace cooperation and regional alliances, but at no point did they mention creating a new tripartite force.
Despite the minister’s denial, the Jerusalem Post repeated earlier Greek media reports, leaving the impression of a military initiative that Cyprus insists is pure speculation.
For now, the story shows how quickly regional tension and media reporting can ignite speculation, especially around Cyprus, Israel, and Greece, where any suggestion of a new military force triggers immediate attention and concern among the public.
