Cyprus tightens security for Israelis amid rising tensions after Israeli strikes on Iran

After Israel launched a wave of attacks against Iran on Friday, Cyprus has increased security measures to protect Israelis who are currently in the country.

“Authorities have increased police patrols near synagogues, Chabad centers, and hotels where Israelis are staying, particularly in the cities of Paphos and Larnaca,” Ynet News reported.

“Security measures were also boosted at the international airports in both cities and in crowded areas of Paphos, including the port, promenade, shopping districts and cafés.”

In addition to increasing security, the Interior Ministry of Cyprus released a list of public bomb shelters, in case Iran chooses to strike British military bases on the island.

The new security precautions come as thousands of Israelis have traveled to Cyprus in the past few days, with the hopes of soon returning to Israel should it reopen the country.

Tour guide David Azriel told Ynet that he estimates that “there are at least 30,000 Israelis on the island right now,” and that “the Cypriot authorities are on high alert and are doing everything they can to protect them.”

On Sunday, President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus was asked by Iran to convey “messages” to Israel.

“Let me remind you that we were asked by Iran to convey some messages to Israel, so, today, I will speak with [Netanyahu],” Christodoulides told journalists. “That was scheduled for last night, but due to the chaotic situation, it could not happen.”

“Our goal is to end this situation, which does not lead to any result, and does not lead to the resolution of any differences,” he said, adding that Cyprus’ role “is that we will talk to everyone,” in order “to create the conditions so that this difficult state of affairs can be ended.”

Iran subsequently denied that it was attempting to send any messages to Israel via Cyprus.