The Hebrew newspaper 'Maariv' has reported that recent Turkish movements in Cyprus are rekindling tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, viewing Israel as closely monitoring these developments amid a complex regional scene and escalating competition over influence and energy resources.
The newspaper noted that the existing alliance between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, which has strengthened over recent years especially following the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023, has made the Eastern Mediterranean a stage for increasing geopolitical competition between Tel Aviv and Ankara.
The report added that Turkish scholarly circles see Israel as a party seeking to expand its influence in the region, while Israel fears the growing regional role of Turkey, especially following political developments in Syria, according to the newspaper's account.
The report highlighted that the extensive participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and senior Turkish officials in events commemorating the 1974 incidents in Northern Cyprus conveyed political messages, according to Turkish sources, affirming Ankara's commitment to its stance on the island and its rejection of any actions that would weaken its presence there.
According to media reports cited by the newspaper, Turkey believes the conflict no longer merely concerns Cyprus's future but extends to delineating maritime borders and drilling rights for oil and gas in the Eastern Mediterranean amid competition over regional energy projects.
The report also pointed out that tensions escalated following a European Parliament decision related to the 1974 events, which Ankara considered part of political pressure targeting its positions on the Cyprus issue.
The newspaper viewed the Cyprus issue as closely tied to the rivalry over energy projects and regional alliances, with Turkey perceiving cooperation between Cyprus, Greece, and Israel as aiming to marginalize its role in exploiting gas and oil resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, while the other parties see these alliances as a means to enhance energy security in the region.
This report is based on the publication by 'Maariv' and the analyses and media reports it covered, reflecting perspectives and stances attributed to Israeli and Turkish sources, and not independently verified facts.