Israeli election billboard in Cyprus sparks backlash over foreign political campaign

Politics cypruselectionsIsraelTop News Israeli election billboard in Cyprus sparks backlash over foreign political campaign Cyprus Israel 1024x683 Relevant News Kalo Chorio fire contained after six-hour battle over 20 hectares 27 July 2026 Fire brought fully under control, coordination centre says 27 July 2026 Israeli election billboard in Cyprus sparks backlash over foreign political campaign 27 July 2026 Theodosis Pipis 27 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The installation of an Israeli election billboard in Cyprus has sparked a strong backlash from Cypriot citizens over the weekend, raising questions about the presence of foreign political campaigning on the island. The billboard, located along the Larnaca–Nicosia motorway as motorists exit Larnaca International Airport, features Gadi Eisenkot, founder of the Yashar party, former Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), and one of the leading contenders in Israel’s upcoming elections this October. The advertisement carries the slogan: “Israelis enjoy!” Among the first public figures to criticise the billboard was Cypriot Member of the European Parliament Fidias Panayiotou. In a post on X, Panayiotou wrote: “This photo was not taken in Israel but in my country.” “This is simply not right. We must defend Cyprus’s sovereignty,” he added. The billboard has since generated widespread discussion online, with many questioning whether Cyprus should be used as a platform for political campaigning linked to a foreign election. Israel’s political landscape Following numerous internal corruption charges and an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) amid human rights violations during the ongoing war in Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu will look to defend his position as Israel’s Prime Minister in the country’s elections this October. However, Eisenkot is rapidly emerging as a strong rival to Netanyahu and is widely viewed as one of the leading contenders in the race. Unlike Netanyahu, who comes from one of Israel’s elite families, Eisenkot is the son of Moroccan immigrants and grew up on the country’s geographic periphery. Eisenkot’s military and political career Eisenkot rose to prominence as Chief of the General Staff of the IDF between 2015 and 2019, holding Israel’s highest military rank during a period of heightened tensions involving Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and the State of Israel. Following his retirement from the military, Eisenkot entered politics. He was elected to Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, as part of the centrist National Unity alliance and later joined the emergency unity government formed after the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023. He served as a minister and as an observer in Israel’s war cabinet. In December 2023, Eisenkot’s son, Gal Eisenkot, an IDF soldier, was killed while fighting in Gaza. His death attracted significant public attention in Israel and became a defining moment in Eisenkot’s public profile during the war. Eisenkot resigned from the government in 2024 after publicly disagreeing with its strategy for the war. Why campaign in Cyprus? Eisenkot would have several strategic reasons to campaign or conduct political outreach in Cyprus. Cyprus occupies a pivotal position in the Eastern Mediterranean and has become one of Israel’s closest regional partners in recent years. The two countries cooperate extensively on defence, energy, emergency preparedness, maritime security, and intelligence. Since the outbreak of war after October 2023 the island has become home to an increasing Israeli expatriate community and a growing business and tourism community. Tens of thousands of Israelis visit Cyprus each year, while many others maintain residences or commercial interests on the island. Israel represents one of Cyprus’s largest inbound tourism markets, generating approximately 600,000 visitor arrivals annually. With an estimated 75% of Israeli travellers entering Cyprus through Larnaca International Airport, the Larnaca–Nicosia motorway has become one of the country’s most valuable advertising corridors for campaigns seeking to reach Israeli audiences shortly after they arrive on the island. Read More: Trozena investment awaits make-or-break environment ruling Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Kalo Chorio fire contained after six-hour battle over 20 hectares Fire brought fully under control, coordination centre says Agia Anna leader accuses president and minister: “They’re hunting arsonists but they’re the ones lighting fires Heatwave climbs towards 40C as new yellow warning issued for Cyprus Cy-alert reaches residents with delay as Agia Anna fire “surrounded” Timur Turlov announces candidacy for FIDE President Volunteer firefighter hurt in fall while battling Kalo Chorio wildfire Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.