This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Waters in the Eastern Mediterranean are warming again. Israel explicitly defines Türkiye’s presence in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as a threat and speaks of a contingency plan called “Poseidon.” What does this mean? Is the region on the brink of a new crisis? In this blog, we discuss what lies behind the scenes.
While Türkiye has positioned itself as a game-changer in the region through decisive actions, those unsettled by this rise are not standing idle. The latest target of this unease has been Israel. In a diplomatic boundary-pushing analysis published in the Israeli newspaper Hayom, Türkiye’s military presence in the TRNC was directly targeted. Not only was it criticized, but explicit threat language was used, referencing an “emergency plan” and a “military intervention scenario.”
In the analysis in question, Türkiye’s military presence in the TRNC is labeled a “strategic threat” by Israel. Moreover, the very name of a potential intervention plan targeting Northern Cyprus is mentioned: Poseidon Operation.
The name derives from Greek mythology—so what’s the connection? Simply recalling the region’s history is enough. To those who wish to soothe themselves with tales of Poseidon, we say this: The Turkish nation fears neither Poseidon nor any mythological threat.
The plan is clear: Turkey’s military reinforcements to the TRNC will be blocked, air defenses will be dismantled, and bases will be targeted. In short, a war scenario is being drawn up. But they have forgotten one thing: This nation did in 1974 what it will do again if necessary.
After launching massacres in Gaza and extending the conflict into Lebanon and Iran, Israel has witnessed a significant exodus of its citizens within its own borders. One of the most striking destinations of this exodus has been the Republic of Cyprus (RoC).
According to recent reports in the Greek Cypriot press, the number of Israelis who have relocated to the RoC has reached 15,000. This is not merely a statistic—it is a sign of a deliberate strategy. Even the Greek Cypriot media is disturbed by this trend, and their headlines clearly reveal the gravity of the situation:
“Israelis are treating Cyprus like their backyard.”
“They are acting as if the land is promised to them—why are they acquiring so much territory?”
This is not limited to media reactions. The Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL), the main opposition party in the RoC, has issued explicit warnings: Israelis are systematically purchasing property in strategically significant locations for security purposes. AKEL’s General Secretary, Stefanos Stefanou, expressed the situation even more forcefully:
“Our country is being taken from us. Israel is occupying us.”
AKEL’s statement has also turned its criticism toward Nikos Christodoulides, the RoC leader who has long provided unconditional support to Israel. His silence is now being questioned; even AKEL’s leader openly asked:
“What debt do you owe Netanyahu?”
Moreover, these reactions are not confined to the RoC. Even the United Kingdom, one of Israel’s traditional allies, has begun voicing its discontent. This demonstrates that Israel’s regional maneuvers are no longer limited to Palestine or Lebanon—Cyprus, at Europe’s doorstep, is now part of this plan.
These developments bring to the forefront critical questions: What is Israel seeking in Cyprus? Why is it positioning the island strategically? And how does this situation constitute a threat to the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean?
Türkiye’s military presence in the TRNC is not a display—it is a deterrent force. Today, Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı drones are on duty at Geçitkale Air Base. The naval base rising in Karpaz is not merely infrastructure—it is a symbol of resolve in the Eastern Mediterranean. Atmaca missiles, Tayfun systems, and the defense infrastructure in Girne and Gazimağusa… these are not just weapons; they are the very embodiment of the nation’s determination. If anyone is crafting plans targeting the TRNC, let them know: such plans will drown first off the coasts of Tel Aviv.
Poseidon? Let that be your story. We are the descendants of Barbaros; we are the reality of this geography. And this reality is unforgettable—whether at the negotiating table or on the battlefield.
Poseidon Plan? We Are Here!
The Plan’s Name: Poseidon… Allegedly Israeli
What Does This Have to Do with the TRNC? How Did This Rumor Emerge?
Türkiye Will Not Yield; It Will Act If Necessary