The Eurovision Song Contest is an international music competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
It began in 1956 with just seven countries and was designed to bring Europe together through music after the devastation of World War II. Over the decades, the contest has grown significantly, now attracting over 180 million viewers worldwide.
Each participating country submits one original song performed live, with performances judged by a combination of national juries and televoting audiences.
Despite its name, Eurovision is not exclusive to Europe. It includes countries based on their active membership in the EBU, not strictly geography, which is why Israel is part of the contest.
Is Israel Considered Part of Europe Geographically?
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Geographically speaking, Israel is situated in the Middle East, bordering Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. It is not part of continental Europe, a fact that frequently raises eyebrows among Eurovision viewers.
However, Eurovision does not base eligibility on geography. It is tied to whether a country’s national broadcaster is a member of the European Broadcasting Union.
The EBU includes nations within and around Europe’s broadcasting area and sometimes even beyond it.
This broader scope explains the participation of countries such as Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and even Australia. Israel’s inclusion, therefore, is entirely in line with the contest’s criteria.
How Does Israel Qualify for Eurovision Through the European Broadcasting Union?
Israel has been an active member of the European Broadcasting Union since 1957. The EBU is a collective of national public broadcasters.
As long as a broadcaster is a full member and meets the technical requirements of the organisation, it is eligible to participate in Eurovision.
Israel’s current broadcaster, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN), fulfils these conditions.
Membership grants Israel full rights to participate in the contest, vote, and even host if they win. This places Israel on equal footing with all other participating nations in terms of eligibility.
When Did Israel Start Competing in Eurovision and What Are Its Major Highlights?
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Israel entered the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 1973. Over the years, the country has become a notable presence in the competition, known for powerful performances and sometimes politically charged entries.
| Year | Entry | Artist | Result |
| 1973 | Ey Sham | Ilanit | 4th Place |
| 1978 | A-Ba-Ni-Bi | Izhar Cohen & Alphabeta | 1st Place |
| 1979 | Hallelujah | Milk and Honey | 1st Place |
| 1998 | Diva | Dana International | 1st Place |
| 2018 | Toy | Netta Barzilai | 1st Place |
These entries have left a lasting impression on Eurovision history. Dana International’s win in 1998 was particularly groundbreaking, marking the first time a transgender artist won the contest, promoting both diversity and inclusion on a global stage.
Who Is Yuval Raphael and Why Is Her Eurovision Entry Significant?
In 2025, Israel is represented by Yuval Raphael, a 24-year-old singer and survivor of the Nova music festival massacre during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
That attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people across Israel, profoundly shaped Raphael’s personal story and her Eurovision entry.
Her song, “New Day Will Rise,” is not explicitly political, yet it is steeped in themes of resilience and healing.
Raphael previously spoke at the United Nations Human Rights Council, describing how she hid in a bomb shelter for hours and sustained injuries during the attack. She explained that while her physical wounds have healed, the emotional scars remain.
Speaking to the BBC, Raphael shared that she trained for potential disruption by rehearsing with background sounds of booing and distraction.
This proved necessary during the dress rehearsal, where six individuals interrupted her performance by blowing whistles and waving large Palestinian flags.
They were removed by security, and her actual televised semi-final proceeded without further incident. She ultimately qualified for the grand final, an emotional moment for both her and her supporters.
Why Has Israel’s Eurovision Participation Been So Controversial in 2025?
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The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, hosted in Basel, Switzerland, has been heavily politicised due to Israel’s participation amidst its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The timing and location of this year’s contest, held in a neutral country, has only amplified tensions.
Protests erupted in Basel, with hundreds of demonstrators demanding Israel’s removal from the contest. National broadcasters from Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia have called for the EBU to address the issue.
Over 70 past Eurovision participants signed an open letter urging the contest to expel Israel, much like it did with Russia in 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine.
While the EBU claims the event is non-political, critics argue that allowing Israel to compete normalises its military actions.
The symbolic presence of Palestinian flags and emotional appeals from protestors underscore the division between Eurovision’s goals of unity and the geopolitical reality surrounding the contest.
How Has the EBU Responded to These Accusations?
The EBU has consistently maintained that the Eurovision Song Contest is an apolitical event. According to their rules, participating songs must not contain lyrics or gestures that make political statements.
In 2024, Israel was required to change its lyrics that directly referenced the October 7 attacks, illustrating how strictly the EBU enforces this policy.
In a statement, the EBU said it will “continue to listen to all members” and plans to hold discussions with national broadcasters once the 2025 event concludes.
Still, critics argue this approach is inconsistent, especially considering Russia’s exclusion following geopolitical actions.
How Does Israel View Its Eurovision Presence?
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From Israel’s perspective, Eurovision is more than a music contest it is a form of cultural diplomacy. Participation signals that Israel sees itself as part of Europe’s cultural framework.
According to Professor Galia Press-Barnathan, the contest supports Israel’s desire to be recognised as a legitimate member of the international community.
For domestic audiences, Israel’s presence in Eurovision is a form of soft power, symbolising survival and visibility amid global criticism.
Yuval Raphael’s performance, in particular, communicates a story of trauma transformed into resilience, both individually and nationally.
Are There Other Non-European Countries in Eurovision?
Yes, several countries not traditionally considered European have participated in Eurovision, further emphasising that geography is not the defining criterion for entry.
| Country | Participation Since | Notes |
| Israel | 1973 | Full EBU member |
| Australia | 2015 | Invited participant, associate EBU member |
| Morocco | 1980 | One-time participation |
| Armenia | 2006 | Transcontinental country |
| Azerbaijan | 2008 | Transcontinental country |
| Georgia | 2007 | Transcontinental country |
These examples demonstrate the flexibility of Eurovision’s entry rules and its commitment to cultural inclusivity over geographic constraints.
Why Does Eurovision Allow Countries Outside Europe Like Israel?
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Eurovision’s guiding principle is “United by Music” a motto that emphasises unity over borders. Allowing countries like Israel to compete aligns with this mission, offering a platform where cultural expression transcends politics and geography.
Israel’s long-standing membership in the EBU, its contributions to the contest, and its cultural alignment with Europe justify its continued presence.
The same reasoning applies to countries like Australia, which joined as a one-off guest and became a recurring competitor due to overwhelming audience support.
Will Israel Continue to Participate in Eurovision in the Future?
Unless significant policy changes are implemented, Israel is likely to remain a part of Eurovision. The EBU’s current rules support its inclusion, and its broadcaster remains a full member in good standing.
However, the increasing public and institutional pressure may eventually lead to more rigorous review processes for politically controversial entries.
For now, Israel’s participation bolstered by public support at home and a resilient entry in 2025, shows no sign of waning.
Whether Eurovision can continue to balance its non-political stance with the political realities of its participants remains to be seen.
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FAQs About Israel and Eurovision
Has Israel ever hosted the Eurovision Song Contest?
Yes, Israel has hosted the contest three times: in Jerusalem in 1979 and 1999, and in Tel Aviv in 2019.
How many times has Israel won Eurovision?
Israel has secured four victories: in 1978, 1979, 1998, and 2018.
Why are there protests about Israel in Eurovision?
Protests centre around Israel’s military operations in Gaza and concerns that allowing its participation in Eurovision contradicts the event’s commitment to unity and peace.
Is Yuval Raphael’s Eurovision song political?
Officially, no. However, the song is viewed as an emotional expression of personal and national trauma, making it symbolically political.
What is the EBU and why is it important?
The European Broadcasting Union is the organisation behind Eurovision. It sets the rules for participation and ensures that each entry aligns with the contest’s standards.
Has the EBU banned countries before?
Yes. Russia was banned in 2022 after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Can Israel be removed from Eurovision?
It is possible if the EBU and its member broadcasters reach a consensus that Israel’s participation violates contest rules or broader ethical standards.
