Transcription factor acting as a positive regulator in the ethylene response pathway (PubMed:19798512, PubMed:25995326). Involved in wound signaling by binding specifically to the DNA sequence 5'-ATGTACCT-3' found in the promoter of some wound-inducible genes (PubMed:19798512). Required for ethylene-promoted coleoptile elongation (PubMed:25995326). Acts as negative regulator of salt tolerance (PubMed:25995326). During salt stress, activates the cation transporter HKT1, which mediates increased sodium uptake in roots, and contributes to sodium accumulation and salt toxicity (PubMed:25995326). Possesses transactivation activity in protoplasts (PubMed:25995326). Expressed in roots (PubMed:19798512). Expressed at low levels in panicles (PubMed:19798512). Expressed in roots, leaf blades, leaf sheaths, stems, anthers of young flowers, shells, and developing grains (PubMed:25995326). Induced by wounding and metyhl jasmonate. Plants silencing EIL2 exhibit insensitivity in ethylene-promoted coleoptile elongation. Belongs to the EIN3 family.