Israeli campaign billboards spark public debate in Cyprus
In late July 2026, large billboards promoting Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and a candidate for the Israeli premiership, appeared along motorways in Cyprus, specifically near Zigi and the road to Larnaca. The campaign targets Israeli tourists visiting the island during the summer, with Hebrew messages such as, "Israelis, enjoy your vacation, you deserve it" and "Did you rest? Now we return and we win." The Yashar party confirmed that these billboards are part of their official election campaign, noting that Cyprus is a primary destination for Israeli families.
The installation has triggered significant public backlash, fueling concerns regarding foreign political interference on Cypriot soil. Local figures, including actress and former AKEL candidate Melani Steliou and independent MEP Fidias Panayiotou, have publicly criticized the move. Panayiotou characterized the situation as a serious matter, suggesting that current laws should be amended to prohibit election campaigning by candidates from non-EU third countries. Beyond the immediate campaign, the incident has reignited broader domestic discussions concerning the growing socioeconomic presence of Israeli citizens in Cyprus and the potential impact of foreign influence on the nation's public spaces.