Eurovision Song Contest

Israel will take part in the first Eurovision semifinal, EBU announces

This year’s Eurovision contest will take place in Austria in May, with the semifinals set for May 12 and May 14 and the finals on May 16.

ISRAEL HAS been singled out as no country ever has been before at Eurovision. Here, viewers cheer as they watch this year’s Eurovision Song Contest finals being screened at a community center in Tel Aviv, in May.
 Pro-Palestinian protestors hold a flag and a banner outside the RTE (Radio Telefis Eireann) Irish public service broadcaster television studios as demonstrators call for an Irish boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if there is Israeli participation, in Dublin, Ireland, November 1, 2025.

Boycotts and rule changes don’t stop Israel topping Eurovision odds

Pro-Palestinian protestors hold a flag and a banner outside the RTE (Radio Telefis Eireann) Irish public service broadcaster television studios as demonstrators call for an Irish boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if there is Israeli participation, in Dublin, Ireland, November 1, 2025.

Eurovision host says it won't ban Palestinian flags, drown out boos during Israel's performance

Nemo, representing Switzerland, performs "The Code" during the Grand Final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo, Sweden, May 11, 2024.

Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo announces they are returning their trophy in protest against Israel


Despite boycott calls, Israel cleared to participate in Eurovision 2025

Will Israel participate in Eurovision 2025? As far as the new contest director is concerned - there is no question at all.

 Israel's representative to the Eurovision Song Contest, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas on the Nova festival in Israel's south, sings on a stage in this handout photo obtained by Reuters on January 23, 2025.

'Because of war in Gaza': Spain calls for discussion on Israel's participation in Eurovision

Spain's RTVE has requested the EBU discuss Israel's Eurovision 2025 participation due to concerns over the Gaza conflict. In response, Eurovision clarified that all members will participate.

 Yuval Raphael.

Eurovision's Yuval Raphael to re-record song after mistake in biblical quote

Israel's Eurovision 2025 star Yuval Raphael will re-record her entry after fans spotted a small biblical Hebrew pronunciation mistake.

 Yuval Raphael.

Keren Peles composes Yuval Raphael's Eurovision song, includes Song of Songs verses

Even before the announcement about Peles, early Eurovision betting tables show that Israel is currently in the lead. 

 YUVAL RAPHAEL,  Israel’s Eurovision singer.

Back in the USSR: Putin revives Soviet-era 'Eurovision' with new allies

Russian officials say a number of countries including China, Brazil, Cuba and former Soviet republics such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Belarus have expressed interest in taking part.

 Contestant Manizha of Russia poses on the "Turquoise Carpet" during the opening ceremony of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, Netherlands May 16, 2021.

Yuval will make us proud at Eurovision - editorial

Like the incredible women who came before her (Neta Barzilai, Noa Kirel, and so on.), she will deal with just a little bit of the punches headed her way, her head still held high.

 Yuval Raphael is the winner of the Rising star 2025 finale and will represent Israel in the Eurovision.

Nova survivor Yuval Raphael to represent Israel in 2025 Eurovision Song Contest

"I can't explain how excited and ready I am!! Thank you for giving me the huge privilege and trusting me to represent my people," Raphael said.

 Israel's representative to the Eurovision Song Contest, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas on the Nova festival in Israel's south, sings on a stage in this handout photo obtained by Reuters on January 23, 2025.

Michelle Hunziker to host Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 marks the 69th edition of the event and will be held at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel from May 13 to May 17.

 Michelle Hunziker to host Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer.

Meet Valerie Hamaty, the Arab Christian leading the race to represent Israel at Eurovision

Valerie, a ninth-generation native of Jaffa and polyglot who speaks five languages, began her education at a French Christian school in Jaffa before transferring to a public school in Tel Aviv.

 Israeli singer Valerie Hamaty performs at the 2022 ACUM Awards ceremony for Hebrew Song near Tel Aviv, Sept. 7, 2022.

Eurovision 2025: Bereaved survivor and Arab Israeli singer perform moving duet

Golan’s version of the song is a tough act to follow, but Hamati and Weiss, on a night in which the competitors were paired off to perform duets, proved that they were up to the task.

 Valerie Hamati and Daniel Weiss on HaKochav Haba.