Spain’s national broadcaster requested a discussion regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2025. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) swiftly dismissed the Spanish request outright.

Yesterday, the president of Spain’s national broadcaster (RTVE), José Pablo López, sent a letter to EBU Director-General Noel Curran, calling for “a discussion within the organization” regarding the participation of Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest set to take place next month in Basel, Switzerland. Overnight, the EBU issued a statement rejecting Spain’s request outright.

“concerns raised by various civil society groups in Spain regarding the situation in Gaza and Kan’s participation in the contest.” RTVE argued that “it would be appropriate” for the EBU to “recognize this discussion and provide a space for reflection among its members regarding Israel’s broadcaster’s participation.”

In response to RTVE’s letter, the EBU released a brief two-line statement last night: “We welcome RTVE confirming their commitment to the Eurovision Song Contest and appreciate there are concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East. All Members of the EBU are eligible to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest and we remain in constant contact with those participating this year, including RTVE, on all aspects of the Contest.”

This statement reinforces Eurovision’s status as an apolitical competition and does not address the political claims raised by Spain’s national broadcaster. Kan’s standing within the EBU remains unchanged, as does Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2025.

The Spanish Parliament Against Israel

The president of Spanish national broadcaster RTVE, José Pablo López, has announced that he will raise the demand to disqualify Israel from Eurovision 2025 in the next board meeting of the local broadcaster. López made this statement on February 26th when questioned in a parliamentary oversight committee about actions to be taken following “civil society’s request” to demand Israel‘s disqualification from Eurovision 2025 from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The question was posed by local parliament member Francisco Sierra of the left-wing party “Sumar”. López argues that it is crucial for the corporation’s board to adopt a unified stance on Israel’s participation in the contest and, if deemed appropriate, issue a public statement on the matter.

López added that the Israeli broadcaster ‘Kan’ is close to ceasing to be public, as Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has begun procedures to privatize it. If this process materializes, it is likely to leave the EBU. Sierra criticized the Israeli broadcaster ‘Kan’, claiming it “applauds and praises the Israeli army and ethnic cleansing”. The parliament member demanded that the Spanish broadcaster take “formal protest” calling for Israel’s disqualification. Sierra also criticized the fact that “this year Israel is bringing a survivor of October 7th”, which he believes is a way to “abuse” the Eurovision contest.

The Israeli Eurovision Song for 2025 – All the Details

The Israeli Eurovision song was revealed during a festive broadcast aired on the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation “KAN”, during which the creators of the song and the members of the committee who chose the song for the competition appeared. The broadcast was hosted by Hila Korach, and during it, Yuval Raphael performed alongside Israel’s Eurovision 2024 representative, Eden Golan, and together they performed the song “Hurricane.” At the end of the broadcast, the official music video for the Israeli Eurovision song was revealed.

Listen to the Israel’s Eurovision 2025 song, performed by Yuval Raphael:

What Does the Israeli Eurovision Song Mean?

The song “New Day Will Rise” addresses one of the most universal and profound themes – the life-giving power of love and hope. The lyrics speak of dealing with loss, separation, and pain, but also about the possibility of overcoming and renewing. The song conveys the belief that with every ending comes a new beginning, that pain will fade, and love will remain with us. Each verse of the song highlights the way hope and love can carry us even in times of darkness and pain.

What Does the French Verse in Israel’s Eurovision Song Say?

The French verse in “New Day Will Rise” differs somewhat from the English verses in terms of emotional approach. While the English verses emphasize the light that enters our lives even in tough times and the love that remains with us after separation, the French verse, “Et même si tu dis adieu, Tu ne partiras jamais,” focuses more directly on the spiritual presence of the beloved, stressing the idea that love stays even when we part ways.

Who Will Direct Israel’s Eurovision Performance?

The team directing Israel’s Eurovision performance, with Yuval Raphael performing the song, is composed of Shai Bondar, Yuval Cohen, and Yoav Tsafir. The three also collaborated last year with the song “Hurricane,” which earned Israel 5th place in the Grand Final

Yuval Raphael – Who are you?

Yuval, 24, from Ra’anana, lived in Geneva, Switzerland, during her childhood. She disclosed that she escaped from a Hamas terror attack on October 7th, during which grenades were thrown and shots were fired at a party. Many around her were killed, and she had to pretend to be dead to survive. What strengthens Yuval is music and advocacy for Israel. She has spoken in front of world leaders, met influential people, and even spoke at a Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva. She has become a focal point for international advocacy, presenting the true face of Israel and correcting the false image portrayed in the global arena. Her insistence on presenting the truth has made her a central and influential figure in both Israeli and global culture.

Yuval has never sung professionally and only started performing in front of audiences in recent months. The echoes of her performances quickly spread on social media, garnering warm praise and responses from viewers.

Yuval won first place in the TV show “HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision 2025” after being chosen by the panel of judges and the home audience. She will represent Israel in Eurovision 2025, to be held in Basel on May 13, 15, and 17, in hopes of bringing Israel its fifth win in the competition.

Source: EBU