As closely neighboring countries , Israel and Cyprus have enjoyed greatly improving diplomatic relations since 2010 . During the Mount Carmel Forest Fire , Cyprus dispatched two aviation assets to assist fire-fighting operations in Israel – the first time Cypriot Government aircraft were permitted to operate from Israeli airfields in a non-civil capacity . In addition , Israel and Cyprus have closely cooperated in maritime activities relating to Gaza , since 2010 , and have reportedly begun an extensive sharing program of regional intelligence to support mutual security concerns . On 17 May 2012 , it was widely reported that the Israeli Air Force had been granted unrestricted access to the Nicosia Flight Information Region of Cyprus , and that Israeli aviation assets may have operated over the island itself . Cyprus , as a former S-300 air-defense system operator , was speculated by Greek media to have assisted Israel in strategic planning to challenge such air-defense systems , alongside shorter-range SAM systems , although this remains unconfirmed
Mount Carmel Forest Fire
Mount Carmel forest fire (2010)
Israel Defense Forces