Cyprus Thwarts Attack by Forces Linked to IRGC Targeting 'Jews and Israelis'

A 'terrorist attack' targeting Jews and Israelis was thwarted in Cyprus, according to reports from Cypriot media on Sunday. The Times of Israel states that this planned attack is believed to be linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Hours after the news broke, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the thwarting of the reported attack linked to the IRGC against Israeli targets in Cyprus. According to Reuters, Netanyahu's office stated, 'Israel welcomes the thwarting of an Iranian terrorist attack on Israeli targets in Cyprus.' The statement added, 'Israel acts in various ways everywhere to protect Jews and Israelis and will continue its efforts to eliminate Iranian terrorism wherever it raises its head, including on Iranian soil.' Netanyahu's statement did not provide further details. Earlier this year, Israel's National Security Council warned that Cyprus and Greece are countries where the Islamic Republic is likely to target Jews and Israelis. Cyprus and Greece are among the popular countries for Israeli tourists. A Greek website reported that this plot was thwarted by Cypriot intelligence agencies in collaboration with foreign agencies, reportedly Israeli and American. The report indicated that a cell of attackers was using the northern part of the island of Cyprus as a base for a potential attack, and Cypriot intelligence had been closely monitoring these attackers for several months. The Times of Israel notes that Israeli officials have not yet confirmed this report. About three months prior, Greek media reported that officials in the country, with the help of Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, arrested two Pakistanis who intended to attack Israeli targets, including a Jewish restaurant and a synagogue. Mossad and Greek officials stated that the two were part of a larger terrorist network of the Islamic Republic. The Iranian embassy in Greece denied any connection to this case. Eli Cohen, Israel's Foreign Minister, previously met with Constantinos Kombos, the Foreign Minister of Cyprus, and Nikos Dendias, the Foreign Minister of Greece, earlier this year. The three officials discussed threats from the Islamic Republic, such as terrorism on European soil. This meeting occurred three days after thwarting an attack plan against Jews and Israelis in Athens, which was claimed to be orchestrated by the Islamic Republic. Israeli security agencies arrested a woman on charges of working for Hezbollah and the Quds Force of the IRGC. Bennett warned Iran: Israel's enemy will pay a 'heavy and painful' price. Israel's Foreign Minister stated that Iran violates Turkey's sovereignty. The foreign ministers of Israel, Greece, and Cyprus discussed threats from the Islamic Republic.