Gadi Eizenkot Launches Controversial Election Campaign in Cyprus Amid Sovereignty Concerns

Gadi Eizenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff and current leader of the Yisrael party, has initiated a new election campaign targeting Israeli vacationers in Cyprus, a popular summer destination for Israeli families. The campaign features billboards near Larnaca Airport displaying messages such as "Israelis, enjoy! You deserve it" and "Landed? Enjoyed? Now come back and win!" alongside Eizenkot's image. This marks a rare instance of an Israeli election campaign extending beyond Israel's borders.

The campaign sparked criticism from Cypriot officials and local residents. European Parliament member Fideas Panayiotou condemned the campaign as political propaganda on Cypriot soil and expressed concern over the increasing presence of Hebrew-language billboards advertising real estate across the island, calling for the protection of Cyprus's sovereignty. The campaign also drew hostile reactions on social media, with some users accusing Israelis of effectively colonizing Cyprus through property purchases and business ventures.

Eizenkot's campaign team stated the billboards are an official part of their strategy to reach Israelis vacationing abroad. The campaign comes amid ongoing debates within Israeli parliamentary committees about facilitating voting access for Israelis abroad ahead of the October 27 general elections. Recently, MK Efrat Rayten of the Democrats party sent an urgent letter to Transportation Minister Miri Regev and aviation authorities, warning against any policy changes that might hinder Israelis from traveling to vote, threatening immediate legal action if such changes occur.