Israeli tourists surprised: Eisenkot's outdoor campaign beyond Israel's borders
The "Yashar!" party has launched an outdoor advertising campaign in Cyprus along a route frequented by Israeli tourists. The move has drawn criticism in the host country regarding Israeli influence, which is now taking on a political dimension. Plans are underway to expand the campaign to other countries.
The election campaign of Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party, for the 2026 elections has extended beyond Israel's borders as part of a creative strategy. The party launched an outdoor advertising campaign that surprised Israelis vacationing in Cyprus, with a large billboard in Hebrew placed on a highway near Zygi.
The double-sided sign features two messages: "Israelis, enjoy, you deserve it," and "You rested, you enjoyed? Now we return and win."
The campaign has sparked a wave of criticism in Cyprus. A local alternative magazine wrote:
"When did Cyprus become a stage for the election campaigns of foreign political parties? Billboards advertising real estate in Hebrew have become the norm in Cyprus. At a time when concern is growing over the extensive purchase of land and assets by Israelis in Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca, this image raises legitimate questions regarding the boundaries of foreign economic and political influence in the public space of the Republic of Cyprus."
The article continued:
"Would anyone expect to see a campaign sign of a Cypriot or Greek politician on a highway in Britain, Germany, Spain, or Ireland? Have we ever seen a sign of any foreign political party on the streets of Cyprus? Or is this something that happens only in countries that no longer securely protect their sovereignty and their public space?"
Currently, the campaign is limited to Cyprus, but sources close to the party indicate that there are plans to expand the media deployment to other countries where Israeli tourists are currently staying.
