Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is important, President Isaac Herzog said Monday.
His remarks in an interview with KAN Reshet Bet were in response to an announcement that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organization that runs Eurovision, plans to have a meeting of its general assembly in November to vote on whether Israel will be allowed to take part.
There have been numerous calls to ban Israel from sending a representative because of the war in Gaza.
“I have seen dangerous processes that begin with Eurovision and end in other places,” Herzog said.
“The delegitimization of Israel and the attempt to exclude us from every possible arena are moves designed to weaken us. It starts with Eurovision but reaches matters that are vital to us. Every arena is important.”
Spain, the Netherlands, Iceland, Ireland, and Slovenia have said they would not participate in the contest if Israel does. Other countries, including Sweden, have said they would participate.
Eurovision is not a political event, the EBU has repeatedly said, adding that the contestants represent public broadcasters and not governments.
Herzog speaks in favor of KAN
Regarding the issue of calls by some cabinet ministers, including Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi (Likud), to shut down KAN, Israel’s public broadcasting authority, Herzog said: “I have immense respect for KAN. There are voices that worry me. The platform of public broadcasting is so important; it enables a diversity of opinions, free of bias, and allows everyone to be heard.
“I am a great supporter of public broadcasting, and therefore, I worry when there is cause to worry and act when there is a need to act.”
Eurovision is set to take place in Vienna in May.