Israeli peacekeepers should replace United Nations peacekeeping forces stationed in Cyprus, according to a suggestion from American pro-Israel analyst Michael Rubin. In a recent article for the National Security Journal, Rubin, a former Pentagon official, argues that the US should reconsider longstanding UN missions, describing them as “legacy zombie missions.”
Rubin specifically highlights the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) as ineffective, claiming it has become a mere symbol of failed peacekeeping rather than a functional mechanism for stability. He points out that the region occupied by Turkey in Cyprus is significantly larger than the Gaza Strip, underscoring the need for a change in approach.
“The observer mission continues, but Unficyp has lost its credibility,” Rubin states, referencing other UN bodies like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians (Unrwa). He contends that Unrwa has been compromised by associations with groups such as Hamas, questioning its role in post-war Gaza.
Rubin’s motivation for suggesting Israeli peacekeepers comes amid fears surrounding a potential international stabilisation force that might include Turkish troops in Gaza. He warns that allowing Turkey to send forces could escalate tensions in the region. “Empowering Hamas with Turkish support would be a dangerous move for Israel and its neighbours,” he claims.
As a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Rubin’s insights come at a time when Israel faces scrutiny over allegations of genocide in Gaza, currently under investigation by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In early 2024, Israel accused Unrwa of employing individuals involved in the October 7 attacks, leading to a significant reduction in aid to the agency, although many cuts were later reversed.
A UN inquiry into these allegations found that while some Unrwa staff may have been involved in the attacks, evidence against others was insufficient, leading to a complex legal landscape. The Israeli parliament subsequently passed measures to restrict Unrwa’s operations within Israel, amidst ongoing tensions.
Despite these allegations, the ICJ ruled in October 2025 that Israel had not adequately substantiated its claims regarding Unrwa’s employees being affiliated with Hamas or other terrorist groups. This legal backdrop complicates Rubin’s proposal for Israeli peacekeepers, as the narrative surrounding international intervention and credibility continues to evolve.
