Israel’s Ambassador to Cyprus denies abduction rumors, confirms he is safe

Israel's Ambassador to Cyprus, Oren Anolik, assured the public on Tuesday that he is safe following false rumors circulating on social media about his alleged abduction. The ambassador took to Twitter, now known as X, to personally dismiss the claims after speculation sparked concerns among Cypriot officials and the media.

Rumors began swirling that Anolik and two of his bodyguards had been kidnapped in Cyprus, leading to a flurry of inquiries from journalists, Cypriot officials, Members of Parliament, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The speculation appears to have originated from a Reuters article, though the source of the confusion remains unclear. The Israeli Embassy in Nicosia confirmed they received numerous calls about the ambassador’s safety.

In response, Anolik felt it necessary to directly address the rumors. “I am safe and sound,” he posted on X, putting an end to the speculation.

A representative from the Israeli Embassy expressed relief that the rumors were false but acknowledged the tension surrounding such claims. “Given what is happening now and what has happened in the past, it wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility that something like this could have been true,” the embassy spokesperson said. “Fortunately, it wasn’t, and both the ambassador and the entire team at the embassy are safe and sound.”

The false abduction claim comes at a time of heightened security concerns due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and its neighboring countries. Despite the misinformation, the situation in Cyprus remains calm, with authorities and embassy officials assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm.

- Ambassador Oren Anolik's Tweet:

I am hearing that some fake news about me circulating. Let me assure you I am fine. It seems that someone came up with a very creative way to make the whole world call me and text me and wish me a happy new Jewish year! pic.twitter.com/pPcVSOs3XS

— Oren Anolik (@OrenAnolik) October 2, 2024

This incident highlights the sensitivity of diplomatic security, especially given the current regional instability. While the rumors were quickly debunked, they nonetheless triggered widespread concern both within Cyprus and beyond.