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Eurovision Song Contest

How Israel avoided Eurovision ouster and the diplomatic push that changed the vote

Israel’s delegation mounted an intensive lobbying effort in Geneva, backed by a special team formed by President Herzog, as the EBU advanced new rules critics said targeted Israel

Ran Boker | 12.04.25

Israel cleared to compete in Eurovision 2026; Spain, Netherlands, Slovenia, Ireland to boycott

Vote, held by secret ballot as part of a broader approval of new contest rules, followed months of debate over Israel’s participation amid the war in Gaza and public pressure from several European broadcasters

Ran Boker | 12.04.25

Eurovision faces 'watershed' vote on Israel’s 2026 participation amid boycott threats

European Broadcasting Union members will convene to discuss new rules designed to prevent governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters after controversy this year over Israel's second-place win

Reuters | 12.02.25

Spain makes it official: It will boycott Eurovision if Israel participates

A week before crucial debate on Israel's participation, Spain says it will boycott the event unless Israel is kicked out, and says Israel 'systematically violated the contest’s rules and used them for political purposes while other countries are punished for same behavior'

Ran Boker | 11.28.25

Eurovision host Austria backs Israel's participation at what it hopes will be record event

Five countries - the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland and Spain - have said they will boycott the 70th song contest in Vienna or consider not taking part if Israel does; Issue will be discussed next month at annual meeting of the European Broadcasting Union

Reuters | 11.18.25

EBU cancels vote to expel Israel from Eurovision after Gaza ceasefire

It is possible that this is the organization’s way of backing down—perhaps due to the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, or possibly in response to the German chancellor’s warning that his country would withdraw if Israel were expelled

Ran Boker | 10.13.25

Israel’s Eurovision future in jeopardy as EBU sets November vote

The EBU clarified that only a simple majority is needed to block Israel from Eurovision 2026, not the 75% Kan had expected; Israel’s broadcaster warned the move politicizes the contest and risks sidelining one of its most successful participants

Ran Boker | 09.26.25

Will Israel compete at the Eurovision? The high-stakes battle over music and diplomacy

Israel’s Eurovision fate nears decision: Germany and Austria weigh in, the president forms a special team, ex-official blames Netanyahu, Eden Golan vows to perform 'only with our flag'

Ran Boker | 09.24.25

Unofficial proposals to resolve Israel’s Eurovision standoff include pullout or neutral flag

A vote is scheduled for December in Geneva, where Eurovision’s governing body is expected to discuss whether Israel will be allowed to participate in the 2026 contest

Ran Boker | 09.14.25

Israel narrowly avoids Eurovision suspension: 'If war drags on, staying in will be difficult'

At a tense EBU meeting in London no vote was held on Israel’s expulsion from Eurovision, offering a temporary victory—despite mounting pressure from countries like Iceland and Slovenia and warnings about future participation

Ran Boker | 07.03.25

יובל רפאל אחרי שסחפה את אירופה וזכתה במקום השני באירוויזיון

Eurovision defends Israel’s second-place finish amid voting fraud allegations

Contest director outlines anti-fraud measures and diaspora voting patterns after Yuval Raphael's strong showing sparks controversy

Ran Boker | 05.23.25

Eurovision winner JJ: 'I hope next year would be without Israel'

Austrian singer, who won with Wasted Love, calls Israel’s presence in contest 'disappointing,' urges changes to the televoting system and says he was stopped from displaying a pride flag onstage

Ran Boker | 05.22.25

'You moved an entire nation': Netanyahu calls to congratulate Eurovision star Yuval Raphael

Delayed phone call draws attention, particularly after a segment featuring the performance’s director, Yoav Tzafir, was omitted from the official video released by the Prime Minister’s Office

Ran Boker | 05.21.25

Eurovision director denies claims of vote rigging for Israel

Facing criticism from broadcasters in Spain and Belgium, contest officials defend televoting system after Israeli entry places second in final

Ynet | 05.20.25

Yuval Raphael to perform at concert honoring Nova festival survivors

The singer, survivor of the Oct. 7 massacre herself, will perform in a Tel Aviv concert titled We Will Dance Again – Together, with all proceeds benefiting survivors and bereaved families

Ran Boker | 05.19.25