Eurovision

'You moved all of our hearts'

Herzog meets Noam Bettan after Eurovision success

President Isaac Herzog hosted Israeli Eurovision representative Noam Bettan and congratulated him. 'You brought Israel's name into almost every home in the world.'

Why Eurovision success matters so much to Israel

Eurovision in Israel is viewed through a much broader lens than music alone. Opinion.

After Eurovision: Noam Bettan’s message of unity

Upon returning to Israel from Eurovision, where he clinched second place, Noam Bettan urges: "I’m asking us to make an effort and just be good to one another."

Great achievement:

Israel finishes second in Eurovision

Bulgaria is the winner of Eurovision 2026, while Israel and Noam Bettan clinch second place for the second consecutive year.

'Am Israel chai!' on the Eurovision stage

Israel’s Eurovision representative Noam Bettan thanks Europe, declares, 'Am Yisrael Chai,' after his performance in Vienna.

Boos heard during Noam Bettan's performance

Israel's Eurovision representative addressed the boos heard during his semi-final performance in an interview with the BBC, saying he felt shocked.

'Right side of history'

Spanish PM defends Eurovision boycott because of Israel

Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez defends boycotting Eurovision over Israel's participation.

Not all leftists:

Austrian left-wing group takes stand against antisemitism

Austria’s Young Greens released videos condemning antisemitism and defending Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026.

I’ve never watched Eurovision in my life. I am now.

He got up on a stage in Vienna, in an arena full of people who ranged from cheering fans to those actively chanting for his country’s destruction, and he performed. Op-ed.

Israeli pride

Noam Bettan advances to Eurovision Grand Final

Israel secures a spot in the Eurovision Grand Final following the first semi-final in Vienna. Israel’s representative, Noam Bettan, performed the song "Michelle."

Father Ted co-creator blasts RTÉ over Eurovision boycott

Graham Linehan accuses Irish broadcaster RTÉ of using a Father Ted Eurovision episode as “a tool of antisemitic harassment" after deciding not to air the Eurovision final due to Israel’s participation.

Israeli ministry's warning ahead of Eurovision

Israel’s Diaspora Ministry warned of rising antisemitism and planned protests ahead of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna amid boycott campaigns.

Vienna on high alert

Police brace for anti-Israel disruptions at Eurovision

Vienna police prepare for disruptions and blockades from anti-Israel activists at Eurovision.

Serbia:

Protesters in Belgrade demand Eurovision boycott over Israel

Dozens of protesters gather outside Serbia’s state broadcaster, demanding the country withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest because of Israel’s participation in the event.

Slovenia to air films on 'Palestine' instead of Eurovision

Ireland, Spain and Slovenia will not broadcast Eurovision after boycotting the contest over Israel’s participation.

Entertainment leaders reject calls to ban Israel from Eurovision

More than 1,000 entertainment industry leaders sign an open letter rejecting attempts to ban Israel from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

Israel’s song for Eurovision 2026 unveiled

“Michelle," the song that will represent Israel at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, performed by Noam Bettan, officially unveiled.

Eurovision Song Contest to enforce strict security in Vienna

Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna will feature tight security, with 500 personnel deployed. Sniffer dogs will be used throughout the city for safety.

Name of Israel's Eurovision song revealed

The song itself, titled "Michelle," will be revealed for the first time next Thursday and was selected by a committee from around 200 submissions.

Israel selects its song for Eurovision

After listening to roughly 200 submissions, Kan’s selection committee chooses a song written by Yuval Raphael, Nadav Aharoni, and Tzlil Klifi. The selected entry will be performed by Noam Bettan.

Noam Bettan to represent Israel at Eurovision

Noam Bettan chosen to represent Israel at Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Vienna in May, after winning the finals of the show "HaKokhav HaBa" (Rising Star).

Israel to participate in first Eurovision semi-final on May 12

Israel will compete in Eurovision’s first semi-final to take place in Vienna in May, as the contest faces its largest-ever boycott over Israel’s participation.

Eurovision:

Host says it will not mute boos or ban Palestinian flags

Austria’s ORF says it will allow all legal flags and broadcast audience reactions unfiltered at next year’s Eurovision, even as multiple countries boycott the contest over Israel’s participation.

Over Israel’s participation

Swiss Eurovision winner returns trophy

Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo returns trophy, protesting Israel’s participation in the contest amid the Gaza war.

Israel tops early betting odds for Eurovision 2026

Bookmaker Betfair's first Eurovision 2026 odds place Israel at the top, with Sweden, Finland, Ukraine, and Italy following closely behind.

Noa Kirel:

'Music should remain a space for unity, not division'

Israeli singer Noa Kirel told the BBC Israel is being targeted for political reasons, and this is 'an attack on everything Eurovision stands for.'

Iceland pulls out of Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation

Iceland will not compete in Eurovision 2026 after Israel was cleared to participate, joining Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia.

Despite boycott calls

Belgium confirms Eurovision participation

Belgium’s RTBF confirms Eurovision participation in Vienna, a day after the EBU ruled that Israel would be allowed to participate.

4 countries quit:

Israel to participate in Eurovision 2026

After a heated EBU debate over Israel’s participation, members approved rule changes preventing a disqualification vote, prompting four countries to withdraw as Israel prepares to compete in Vienna.

EBU faces 'watershed moment' over Israel in Eurovision 2026

Eurovision faces a “watershed moment” as the EBU may vote on Israel’s 2026 participation this Thursday. Broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands threaten boycott, while Germany warns it could withdraw if Israel is banned.

Spain vows to boycott Eurovision if Israel participates

The Spanish Broadcasting Union announced that it will boycott the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates.

Amid Israel boycott threats

Austria pushes for Eurovision compromise

Austria seeks compromise on Israel’s Eurovision entry as Spain, Ireland and others threaten boycott over Gaza war.

Austria’s Chancellor:

'Excluding Israel from Eurovision would be a fatal mistake'

Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker rejects calls to ban Israel from Eurovision 2026, calling it a “fatal mistake” and citing Austria’s Holocaust legacy.

Citing Gaza ceasefire

Eurovision delays vote on Israel ban

Eurovision organizers postpone a vote on Israel’s 2026 participation, citing Gaza ceasefire developments. The issue will now be discussed in December.

Austria warns:

'No Eurovision hosting if Israel is boycotted'

Austria’s leaders say national broadcaster ORF should not host Eurovision 2026 if Israel is boycotted. Backing down from hosting risks a €40M penalty.

German Chancellor:

'Germany should quit Eurovision if Israel is barred'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Germany should quit Eurovision 2026 if Israel is excluded, calling the debate “a scandal.”

Danish broadcaster opposes ban on Israel in Eurovision

Denmark’s DR says it won’t vote to expel Israel from Eurovision 2026, citing rule compliance and support for an apolitical, secure, international music event.

EBU to vote in November on Israel’s Eurovision participation

The EBU will vote in November on Israel’s participation in Eurovision, as Kan warned that excluding one of the contest’s most successful entrants would undermine its cultural values.

Germany's culture minister blasts anti-Israel Eurovision boycotts

Germany's culture minister blasts threats by Spain, Ireland, and others to boycott Eurovision if Israel participates, calling it a politicization of a cultural event and a "tribunal" against diversity.

Spain joins Eurovision boycott against Israel

Spain becomes the first of Eurovision's "Big Five" to say it will withdraw from the 2026 contest if Israel participates, citing "genocide" in Gaza.

Eurovision officials propose Israel appear with 'neutral flag'

Eurovision officials unofficially propose a temporary withdrawal or a neutral flag for Israel to avoid "humiliating disqualification" ahead of a December vote amid growing boycott threats.

After Ireland

Dutch broadcaster joins Eurovision boycott against Israel

Dutch and Irish public broadcasters threaten to boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing “human suffering” and “erosion of press freedom” in Gaza.

Jamming in the jam

Watch: How does an Israeli Eurovision star survive traffic?

Caught in a late-night traffic jam, Israel’s Eurovision runner-up Yuval Raphael stepped out of her car to sing for fellow drivers, turning a frustrating standstill into a roadside show.

After intense debate

No vote on Israel’s Eurovision status

A European Broadcasting Union meeting in London ends without a vote on expelling Israel from Eurovision, granting the country a temporary reprieve.

Iran lashes out: 'Azerbaijan and Israel – two nations, one state'

Iran’s Fars News Agency slams Azerbaijan for awarding 12 points to Israel’s Eurovision entry, being represented by a singer of Jewish descent, using the contest to push anti-Zionist propaganda and attack Baku’s ties with Jerusalem.

Austrian Eurovision winner backtracks on call to exclude Israel

Eurovision 2025 winner JJ walks back his controversial comments calling for Israel's suspension from the competition, claims his words were misunderstood.

'New Day Will Rise'

Watch: Israeli Eurovision star performs at Hostages Square

Israel's Eurovision 2025 representative, Yuval Raphael, and singer Karen Peles performed 'New Day Will Rise at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

Eurovision winner:

'Disappointing to see Israel still participating'

Austrian Eurovision 2025 champion JJ voices strong opinions regarding Israel's participation in the contest and the fairness of the voting system, expresses desire for Eurovision 2026 to be held "without Israel."

Eurovision:

Israel's victory among public sparks calls for voting review

European broadcasters challenging the Eurovision Song Contest's voting system after Israel's entry overwhelmingly won the public vote but lost the overall competition.

PM to Yuval Raphael:

You lifted Israel’s profile among nations

Netanyahu praises Israeli Eurovision finalist for emotional tribute and global impact.

Open letter:

A satiric message to the Eurovision Broadcasting Union

Our women are strong, and they rise up, preserving their inner and outer beauty, seeking to share it with the world, despite the attempts at their degradation. Open letter.

'Expulsion of Jews again?'

Spanish PM calls for Israel to be ousted from Eurovision

Pedro Sánchez accuses Eurovision of hypocrisy for allowing Israel to compete while barring Russia, drawing sharp rebuke from former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Israeli Eurovision Star:

'My real victory will be when the hostages return'

Yuval Raphael, Israel’s Eurovision 2025 star, returned home to a hero’s welcome after securing second place in the international song contest.

Eurovision 2025

The world voted - and it chose Israel

Maybe the world isn’t as full of Israel-haters as we feared. Opinion.

Pres Herzog congratulates Yuval Raphael on Eurovision performance

President Isaac Herzog spoke early this morning (Sunday) with Yuval Rafael, and congratulated her on her great achievement at the Eurovision contest, where she placed second, and thanked her for the great pride she brought to the State of Israel.

Impressive achievement:

Israel finishes second in Eurovision

Israel’s representative, Yuval Raphael, secures second place in the Eurovision final with her song “New Day Will Rise,” earning 297 points from the public.

Eurovision 2025, a tragedy in Basel

Herzl wrote "At Basel I founded the Jewish State," and this Saturday night, the Eurovision song contest takes place in Basel and Yuval Refael will perform for the State of Israel. But a lot has changed since then. Opinion.

Yuval Raphael advances to Eurovision grand final

Israel’s Eurovision representative qualifies for the final, which will take place on Saturday night in Switzerland. Boos heard at the start of her semi-final performance, but they did not affect her singing.

Switzerland:

Israeli broadcaster files complaint over Eurovision threat

Kan files complaint with Swiss police after a man was caught on video threatening the Israeli Eurovision delegation during the contest's opening event in Basel.

Former Eurovision artists demand Israel’s suspension

Dozens of past Eurovision participants urge organizers to ban Israel from the upcoming contest, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. European Broadcasting Union reaffirms its commitment to keeping the competition inclusive and non-political.