A firm response: How did the EBU react to calls to ban Israel from Eurovision? And what is the official guideline regarding Palestinian flags? All the details inside.
In about a week, the Israeli delegation will head to Basel, Switzerland, accompanied by Yuval Raphael, Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2025. She will perform the song “New Day Will Rise” as the 14th act in the running order of the second semi-final, scheduled for May 15.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza and increasing calls from several European Union countries to boycott Israel, the EBU has released a firm and clear response: Israel will continue to participate in Eurovision 2025, doing so exactly as it has since 1973 – as a full member of the union, not as an extension of its government.
“This Is Not a Contest Between Governments”: A Clear and Decisive Message
The EBU left no room for doubt. In an official response published on Tuesday, directed at those EU members who voiced concerns over Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision in Basel, the union emphasized the cultural and non-political nature of the contest. In a statement setting precise boundaries, it was written: “This is not a contest between governments.”
The EBU explained that Eurovision is a cultural event that brings together public broadcasting organizations – not states. Accordingly, the Israeli national broadcaster – a member of the union since 1973 – will participate as usual.
And What About Russia? The Union Clarifies: “A Completely Different Case”
The response also included extensive reference to the case of Russia, which was suspended from Eurovision in 2022 following the war with Ukraine. Unlike Israel, the union claimed, the Russian national broadcaster was explicitly linked to the central government and “blatantly and repeatedly violated the union’s rules.” The letter stated unequivocally:
“The Russian case is not identical. Russia’s national broadcaster is directly connected to the government, echoed its messages, and thus blatantly and repeatedly violated the European Broadcasting Union’s rules, leading to its expulsion from the union and Eurovision. The case of Kan is the opposite: the government imposes difficulties on the Israeli national broadcaster and tries to undermine its independence – and we will assist any union member broadcaster to ensure it remains independent.”
The union also noted that there is no room for comparisons between different geopolitical situations, writing: “The union is not in a position to compare geopolitical conflicts, such as the situation in Ukraine versus the situation in Gaza, for example.”
In doing so, the union effectively ruled out any possibility of equating the cases – underscoring that disqualifying a country is not a political matter but directly concerns the conduct of the local broadcasting body.
Flags at Eurovision 2025: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
In continuation of its response, the EBU also addressed the issue of flags – always a sensitive topic, especially in 2025. The union clarified that the rules are set according to the laws of the host country, in this case – Switzerland.
According to Swiss federal law, all flags are permitted unless explicitly prohibited by regulations. The union’s new guidelines include a complete ban on displaying flags that do not belong to the artist’s country of origin – including the Pride flag, the Palestinian flag, or any other flag representing political, religious, or unofficial cultural affiliation.
However, it is essential to distinguish between participants and the audience. The guidelines applying to artists – on stage, in the green room, at the Eurovision Village, and during ceremonies – differ from those for the audience. The union stated: “Artists who deviate from the guidelines will face ‘serious consequences,'” clarifying that the audience, in contrast, is allowed to wave Palestinian flags, Pride flags, and any other flags – as long as they do not violate local law.
They also warned that “audience members who arrive with flags that breach Swiss law or wave flags with hate symbols, violent messages, or ties to terrorist organizations may be removed from the competition venue without a refund.”
Culture, Not Politics: The Union’s Final Message
Despite the political tension across Europe, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza, the European Broadcasting Union remains adamant about upholding its principles: Eurovision is a celebration of culture, music, and diversity – not of politics.
In the published response, it was stated unequivocally: “We will assist any union member broadcaster to ensure it remains independent.”
This message resonates not only toward the Israeli national broadcaster but also toward other countries that may face political pressures. It is a firm clarification from the union – no participant will be excluded for political reasons.
Eurovision 2025: Dates and Time
The Eurovision Song Contest for 2025 will take place in May, as per tradition. Here are the exact dates:
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First Semi-Final: Tuesday, May 13th, 2025
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Second Semi-Final: Thursday, May 15th, 2025
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Grand Final: Saturday, May 17th, 2025
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:
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.
Eurovision 2025: This is Israel’s 47th participation in Eurovision. Israel joined the competition in 1973 and has won it four times over the years. Israel’s last victory was at Eurovision 2018 with the song “Toy” performed by singer Netta Barzilai.
