Key facts
- Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has placed election campaign billboards in Cyprus.
- The billboards, featuring Eisenkot, are located near Larnaca airport and target Israeli tourists and residents.
- Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou criticized the billboards, calling them political propaganda and a threat to Cyprus's sovereignty.
- Concerns have been raised about the increasing number of Israeli tourists, property buyers, and real estate advertisements in Cyprus.
- Eisenkot is campaigning on promises to expand the Israeli army and push for universal military enlistment.
- The incident has sparked debate among both Cypriots and Israelis regarding foreign political campaigning and its impact.
Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has faced backlash for placing election campaign billboards in Cyprus, targeting Israeli tourists and residents. The billboards, featuring Eisenkot and messages like "Israelis, enjoy! You deserve it!" and "Have fun? Now come back and win!", have sparked a debate about foreign political influence and national sovereignty.
Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou shared an image of the billboard, stating it was "simply not right" and that Cyprus must "defend Cyprus's sovereignty." He proposed legislation to prohibit non-EU countries from promoting election campaigns on the island. The incident has amplified concerns among some Cypriots about the growing Israeli presence, including increased property purchases and real estate advertisements in Hebrew, particularly in areas like Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca.
Melanie Steliou, an actress and political activist, echoed these concerns, questioning the limits of foreign economic and political influence in Cyprus. She drew parallels to potential reactions if Cypriot politicians campaigned in the UK or Germany. The two nations have been strengthening political, security, and economic ties, with Cyprus providing airspace for Israeli military training.
Social media reactions from both Cypriots and Israelis have been mixed. Some Israelis criticized Eisenkot for taking domestic political matters onto an international stage, with one user suggesting the sign fuels a narrative of Israel "conquering" Cyprus. Niche Advertising, the company that leased the billboard space, clarified that it was a commercial booking and not a political endorsement.
Eisenkot, a former Israeli army chief and minister, is campaigning as the leader of the Yashar party, promising to expand the Israeli army and reform military enlistment policies. Recent polls suggest he is a strong contender for prime minister, with his party predicted to win more seats than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party in the upcoming elections. The Israeli government is reportedly exploring ways to limit Israelis living abroad from returning to vote, amid concerns they might support opposition parties.