Dana International back in Eurovision

(Video) Winner of 1998 European song contest to represent Israel once again this year with her song 'Ding Dong'

Eran Bar-On |Published: 03.09.11 , 07:36

VIDEO - Dana International, winner of the 1998 Eurovision, has been selected to represent Israel once again in the European song contest, which will be held in May in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Dana defeated nine other contenders for Israel's Eurovision entry on Tuesday night with the song "Ding Dong."

See you in Düsseldorf. Dana, Tuesday night

Dana told Ynet immediately after her win, "I'm delighted like a small child. Representing Israel in the Eurovision is one of the greatest pleasures of this profession. It was important for me to represent Israel in Germany of all places, and I hope I won't disappoint anyone. I thank the viewers for choosing me."

The Israeli national final, which was broadcast live on Channel 1 from the Rishon Lezion culture hall, was hosted by singer Shiri Maimon, who represented Israel in the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest and came in fourth, and actor Aki Avni.

Israel will participate in the second 2011 Eurovision semi-final, which will be held on May 12. The first semi-final will take place two days earlier, and the final will be held on May 14.