almost as if it were planned;

The opposition in Cyprus has recently warned that Israel is establishing a “backyard” in the EU island nation, in response to increasing property acquisitions in the country by Israeli investors.

The warning resulted in a diplomatic storm, with both Cypriot and Israeli officials condemning the opposition’s warning as “antisemitic.”

“Israeli buyers are purchasing significant land parcels and strategic economic assets,” spokesperson for the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), Stefanos Stefanou, said in June. “They are building Zionist schools, synagogues, gated enclaves … Israel is preparing a backyard in Cyprus, and this cannot but sound the alarm for us.”

“Israeli newspapers speak of a targeted policy of expansion of Israel in Cyprus,” he said. “We do not say that out of xenophobia or antisemitism,” he added, stressing that “Israel is occupying us.”

He noted that Israel has bought large quantities of land and is establishing gated communities, predominantly in Larnaca and Limassol. “These are not just holiday homes. These are settlements in all but name.”

“Specific areas are being bought en masse,” Stephanou said. This has resulted in “closed areas almost inaccessible to anyone other than Israeli nationals.”..........more............