Israel’s national broadcaster KAN officially announced that about 200 songs were submitted to the committee selecting the Israeli entry for Eurovision 2026. The chosen song will be revealed in a special broadcast during March
The Israeli national broadcaster KAN announced today (Thursday) that about 200 songs were submitted to the committee responsible for selecting Israel’s entry for Eurovision 2026. The committee, currently meeting for an initial screening, will choose in the coming days the song to be performed by Noam Bettan in the first semi-final. The song will be premiered in a special celebratory broadcast on Channel 11 in March.
How many songs were submitted in past years?
This marks a record-high number of submissions in recent years. In 2025, only about 50 songs were submitted, and in 2024, the year following the outbreak of the war, about 30 songs were received.
How many songs were submitted in past years?
130 songs in 2022
220 songs in 2021
250 songs in 2020
200 songs in 2019
130 songs in 2018
The Song Selection Process
The song selection process for Eurovision 2026 was overhauled following last year’s controversy surrounding the previous selection and the dispute with the national broadcaster, leading to the adoption of new selection guidelines.
The revised rules were developed based on recommendations by Yoav Ginai, chairman of ACUM, appointed as an independent consultant to guide and shape the process. The aim is to establish a transparent, fair, and inclusive system, offering equal opportunity to all creators while striving to find the most suitable, high-quality song to represent Israel. Submissions were open until January 26, 2026, and details appear in the official regulations.
According to the published rules, any Israeli creator registered with ACUM may submit a song. All songwriters must hold Israeli ID cards. The sole exception allows one co-creator without Israeli citizenship, provided they are not one of the lyricists—ensuring that all song lyrics are written exclusively by Israelis.
The chosen song may be in any language but must include at least two sentences in Hebrew, preserving the language as an integral part of the performance. Each creator may submit up to two songs, with writing, composing, or arranging each counted as participation.
Anonymity Through AI Technology
As previously reported, one of the key principles of the new procedure is full anonymity during submission. To uphold this principle, recordings submitted to the committee will not feature the voices of the creators or any vocalist whose identity could reveal them. For this reason, AI-based vocal recordings are also permitted—to ensure that song selection remains professional and impartial.
The Professional Committee and Final Stages
Once the submission period closes, a professional committee comprising music and content experts from the national broadcaster, all with significant experience in the field, will convene. This committee, alongside observers, will listen to all entries and initially shortlist up to 40 songs.
The selection committee will include five members:
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Committee Chair – the broadcaster’s music stations director or their appointed representative
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Two radio music editors
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Two television representatives, including the head of the entertainment and culture department and an additional delegate
In the next phase, selected songs will be passed to a final decision-making committee, which will also include a representative from Keshet, producer of “The Next Star for Eurovision.” Together, they will choose Israel’s official Eurovision 2026 song.
The committee may record several leading songs with Noam Bettan’s vocals before making the final decision through an internal vote. It may also request revisions or improvements to be incorporated before recording.
If no suitable song is found, the committee may, at its discretion:
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Issue a new public call for submissions
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Approach additional songwriters directly
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Request more songs from current participants
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Review ACUM’s catalog for works released after September 1, 2025
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Reconsider past submissions from 2023–2025, provided they comply with EBU rules
If necessary, the committee may also open a new public call, select a song published after September 1, 2025, or revisit previously submitted entries for Eurovision 2022–2024.
Israel In Eurovision 2026
Noam Bettan was chosen to represent Israel after winning the 12th season of “The Next Star.” The song he will perform at Eurovision 2026 will be decided by a joint internal committee of the national broadcaster and Keshet 12. It will be unveiled in early March. Currently, Israel ranks first in the Eurovision betting charts.
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.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +972-50-9441919
Aviad Berger – Israeli editor, reporter, and content creator specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He has been working with the EuroMix editorial team for about a year and a half. Since 2024, he has provided continuous Eurovision coverage from the host city, delivering live updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth commentary.
Aviad is also a video editor and filmmaker active in the Israeli media industry.
