Gadi Eizenkot’s Hebrew Election Billboard Sparks Controversy in Cyprus

A large Hebrew-language election billboard for Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the Israeli party "Yashar!", was erected alongside a highway in Limassol, Cyprus, igniting a heated public debate in late July 2026. The billboard, which read "Israelis, enjoy! You deserve it," drew sharp reactions amid growing Israeli presence on the island. The controversy centered on whether foreign political campaigns should be allowed in Cyprus, a member of the European Union.

Pivotal criticism came from independent Cypriot Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and social media personality Pidias Panayioto, who called the billboard placement "a particularly serious case." Panayioto questioned the appropriateness of non-EU countries conducting political campaigns on Cypriot soil and urged legislation to ban such activities to protect Cyprus’s political and geo-strategic interests. His comments sparked backlash, with critics accusing him of double standards and ignoring Turkish occupation in northern Cyprus.

Panayioto is known for his provocative online presence and outspoken pro-Palestinian views, including labeling Israeli actions in Gaza as "genocide." In May 2026, Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus Oren Anolik publicly accused Panayioto of promoting antisemitism after the MEP criticized Israeli real estate investments in Cyprus, warning that such rhetoric stokes dangerous stereotypes. Panayioto denied antisemitism claims, stating his concerns were economic and political rather than nationalistic.

The billboard’s appearance has also reignited discussions about the increasing number of Israelis relocating to Cyprus and the social and economic impact of their presence. Local media and social networks debated the legality and propriety of foreign election advertising, reflecting broader tensions about Cyprus’s relations with Israel and other non-EU countries.

The episode highlights the complex intersection of local politics, international relations, and diaspora communities in Cyprus, with no immediate resolution announced regarding regulation of foreign political campaigns on the island.