Eurovision Song Contest

Spainish PM Pedro Sánchez defends Spain’s Eurovision boycott over Israel’s participation

Sánchez sharply criticized the European Broadcasting Union over its decision to allow Israel to participate in the competition. He accused Israel of genocide and said Spain was taking a stand.

 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a plenary session of the lower house of the Spanish parliament, in Madrid, Spain, May 22, 2024.
ISRAELI SINGER Noam Bettan, representing Israel with the song 'Michelle', celebrates in the artist's zone during the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 (ESC) at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria on May 16, 2026.

Israel’s Noam Bettan takes second place in Eurovision 2026, Bulgaria wins

‘Angel for Jerusalem’

Jerusalem Highlights: May 15-21

NOAM BETTAN and the Israeli delegation celebrate after qualifying for the Grand final during the first semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, on Tuesday. (

My Word: The sounds that drown out the music - opinion


'Being there is already a victory': Yuval Raphael meets Herzog ahead of Eurovision

"Your story is incredible, and every time I hear the song, my heart swells with pride," Herzog said

 Israel's representative to the Eurovision Song Contest Yuval Raphael meets with President Isaac Herzog. May 5, 2025.

Independence Day 2025: 77+1 reasons I love Israel - opinion

Ahead of Israel's Independence Day, Barbara Sofer presents her annual list of things she loves about the Jewish state.

 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.

October 7 survivors to accompany Yuval Raphael to Eurovision

The teams accompanying Raphael are afraid to reveal their names for safety and security reasons

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

Eurovision audience to be permitted to wave Palestinian flags this ceremony

Singers participating, however, are only allowed to display the flag of their country on stage and are prohibited from displaying pride flags or flags of other countries at all official events.

 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.

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.