Turkish commentator threatens to ''take'' Cyprus if tensions with Israel escalate

A Turkish commentator has put Cyprus in the spotlight, claiming the island could be taken by Ankara if a conflict with Israel and the United States breaks out.

Ibrahim Karakül, former editor of the pro-Erdoğan newspaper Yeni Safak, posted on social media that Turkey would respond with military action on multiple fronts. He singled out Cyprus, saying Nicosia is acting like a “bully for Israel” and suggesting the whole island could be seized.

He didn’t stop there: Karakül also warned that Greek islands and parts of mainland Greece could be next and even claimed Turkey could strike Israel, targeting Tel Aviv and “liberating Jerusalem.”

Although these are not official government statements, the comments have caused concern in Cyprus and across the region. Experts say that when pro-government media voices make bold threats, it can raise tensions and make already delicate situations worse.

Eğer İsrail;

İran’dan sonra Türkiye’yi hedef yapmayı planlıyorsa,
ABD ile birlikte Türkiye’ye saldırmayı düşünüyorsa;

1- Önce Ege’de adaları işgal ederiz.

2- Sonra Batı Trakya’yı kurtarır hatta tüm Yunanistan’ı işgal ederiz.

3- Sonra Kıbrıs’ın tamamını alırız.
Çünkü onlar…

— İbrahim Karagül (@ibrahimkaragul) March 11, 2026

*With information from Liberal.gr