Israel to supply offshore patrol ship to Greek Cypriot administration

Israel's Defence Ministry said Director General Amir Baram visited the Greek Cypriot Administration (GKRY) with a delegation and signed an agreement there. Under the deal, an offshore patrol vessel fitted with naval systems from Rafael, an Israel-based defence company, will be delivered to the GKRY.

The statement said the command and defence systems of the GKRY's Israeli-built offshore patrol vessel IOANNIDES will also be modernised under the agreement. Israeli media noted that Tel Aviv is one of the GKRY's largest arms suppliers.

Israeli President Herzog made an official visit to South Cyprus on 10 September at the invitation of GKRY leader Nikos Christodoulides. The visit drew heavy protests from pro-Palestinian human rights groups.