In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the official government spokesperson for Cyprus, expressed serious concerns over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's threat to invade Israel and highlighted the dangers of Ankara's regional ambitions.

Letymbiotis emphasized the gravity of any public threat, stating that it should not be disregarded by the international community. He stressed the importance of respecting international law and underlined the ongoing illegal occupation of 37% of the Republic of Cyprus territory by Turkey, which has been a continuous issue for the past 50 years.

Drawing on historical experience, Letymbiotis emphasized that Cyprus takes any threat of illegal invasion very seriously. He referred to President Erdoğan's recent remarks where he suggested that Turkey might invade Israel, similar to its actions in Karabakh and Libya. These comments sparked a scathing response from Israel, with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz likening Erdoğan to former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Regarding Erdoğan's previous comments, a Turkish embassy spokesperson in the United States clarified that Turkey's issue was not with the Israeli people but with the actions of the current Israeli government, which they deemed as brutal and irresponsible.

Letymbiotis pointed out that the world no longer has frozen conflicts, and this is particularly evident in the region, with intensifying clashes. He specifically highlighted the ongoing "Turkification" of parts of Cyprus, including changing geographical names and the destruction of cultural and historical heritage. He viewed these actions as indicators of Turkey's pursuit of influence and control.

Letymbiotis emphasized that Turkey's motives align with its neo-Ottoman approach, characterized by revisionism and expansionism. He also highlighted the timing of Turkey's narrative, which coincided with the intensification of efforts by the Republic of Cyprus president to resume negotiations for a peaceful resolution.

Cyprus, which has been divided along ethnic lines since Turkey's invasion in 1974, has sought support from other nations, such as Armenia, that have also experienced Turkey's regional ambitions. The recent conflict in Karabakh saw the expulsion of around 120,000 Armenians by Azerbaijan, with Turkey's involvement in support of Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, Cyprus played a significant role in the U.S. plan to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, amid ongoing Israeli operations. A sea route from Cyprus was established by the European Union and the United States in March, ensuring the safe delivery of aid to Gaza's ports.

Letymbiotis expressed hope that the cooperation and strong relations between Cyprus and the United States will enhance the country's global perception and lead to further advancements. He noted that Cyprus is no longer seen solely through the lens of the Cyprus problem but as a reliable and stable partner.

However, Letymbiotis lamented Turkey's problematic status within NATO, where it wields veto power that can have troubling effects. He cited Sweden's need to comply with Ankara's demands before being allowed to join the alliance as an example.

As tensions persist and threats of invasion loom, Cyprus remains vigilant, calling on the international community to recognize the severity of Turkey's regional ambitions and take necessary steps to uphold international law and ensure stability in the region.