Reports reveal that the production of “HaKokhav HaBa,” the Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2026, is preparing for every possible scenario – including a possible elimination from the contest. What is the winner’s alternative prize?
Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision remains unclear due to countries threatening to withdraw if Israel takes part. Despite this, the popular show “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision,” which is due to select Israel’s representative for the 2026 contest in Vienna, Austria, has already started filming. Recent reports highlight how the show’s producers are preparing for a possible elimination scenario. The season is set to premiere mid-November.
Alternative Prize Planned
Should Israel be excluded from Eurovision 2026, the show’s production will award the winner a cash prize of 1 million shekels (about 264,000 Euro), as reported by “Walla Tarbut”. This prize was given in past seasons not linked to Eurovision—to Tamir Grinberg and Eliav Zohar. It’s worth noting that the ceasefire, together with threats from Austria’s chancellor that Vienna may forfeit hosting if Israel is excluded, are expected to strengthen Israel’s position and lower the risk of elimination.
Conversely, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Ireland have all announced plans to withdraw should Israel participate. The Dutch network confirmed the ceasefire hasn’t changed its position. Austria’s national broadcaster ORF announced Thursday that voting on Israel’s participation might be delayed or canceled altogether following the hostage deal and end of the war. Tomorrow (Monday), a decision on the vote is expected.
Judges’ Comments to Adapt Regardless of Eurovision
Reports also note that at the judges’ table, where Eurovision suitability is a frequent topic, there is a new focus this year on vocal ability and delivery. According to a production insider quoted by Walla: “At Thursday’s auditions, there was discussion about Eurovision – but not only about that. The production makes sure every audition now features one judge commenting on Eurovision and another focused just on the performance itself. That’s how the production is preparing the judges – to ensure that every audition addresses Eurovision, but not exclusively.” This is to ensure there is material for editing, even if Israel ultimately doesn’t compete.
Ongoing Israeli Success in Eurovision Selections
Since Keshet and Kan began their collaboration in 2015, all Israeli representatives chosen through the show have made the Eurovision final. The peak was in 2018, when Netta won with “Toy” and brought the contest to Israel. In the past three years, Israel consistently reached the top five: Noa Kirel finished third, Eden Golan was fifth, and last year Yuval Raphael took second place.
“HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision” on Keshet 12 is Israel’s leading music reality show. Auditions for the new season began recently and are set to air on TV after the holidays (mid-November).
הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם
Israel at Eurovision 2025
“New Day Will Rise” is the song performed by Yuval Raphael, who was chosen to represent Israel after winning the 11th season of “HaKokhav HaBa”. Israel advanced to the final after winning the second semi-final with 203 points and finished second overall with 357 points in the grand final. Israel ranked first in the public vote but only 14th with the jury. This marks the third consecutive year that Israel has reached the top five – an unprecedented achievement.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Israel’s 48th participation in Eurovision. Israel joined the contest in 1973 and has won four times. Its most recent victory was at Eurovision 2018 with the song “Toy”, performed by singer Netta Barzilai.
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Tal Dahan – Journalist, radio broadcaster, and Eurovision content creator.
Tal Dahan is an Israeli journalist and editor specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest, working with the EuroMix editorial team for four years. Since 2022, she has provided regular on-site coverage of Eurovision from the host city, and from 2023 has also reported directly from the press room—offering the Israeli audience live updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth commentary.
Tal is a member of the Eurovision tribute and parody band “EuroFalsh,” a radio broadcaster, and a student of political science and communications.
She is considered one of Israel’s leading young Eurovision experts. In addition to covering the main contest, Tal has reported from Eurovision pre-parties and national selection events across Europe (in Thessaloniki, Stockholm, Madrid, and more), been interviewed by major media outlets in Israel and internationally, and presented Eurovision-themed podcasts and radio shows.
