Israel Archives - Page 2 of 33

Israel’s Second Rehearsal: Noam Bettan Takes the Eurovision 2026 Stage

May 6, 2026 by Ido Naman Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Noam Bettan completes second rehearsal in Vienna for Israel’s “Michelle” ahead of Eurovision 2026. Stay tuned for all updates from Austria Less than a week before the first semi-final, Noam Bettan , Israel’s representative at Eurovision 2026, returned to the stage in Vienna, Austria, for his second rehearsal with the song “Michelle”. Bettan and the Israeli delegation continue refining the performance in order to achieve the strongest possible result, fine-tuning the staging elements on stage. These include a massive crystal-like structure and an extensive mirror system that plays a central role in the visual design. Noam Bettan is scheduled to perform in position 10 in Semi-Final 1, which will take place on May 12th. He is set to compete for a place in the Grand Final against other strong contenders such as Finland, widely considered one of the pre-contest favourites to win, and Sweden, another major powerhouse in the competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ‎‏ Israel's Second Rehearsal: More Details Diamond Stage...

Israel: Noam Bettan Unveils Massive Prop for “Michelle” Performance

May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EBU reveals official rehearsal photos of Noam Bettan performing "Michelle" on the Eurovision 2026 stage in Vienna. Official photos of Noam Bettan performing his song "Michelle" on the Eurovision 2026 stage have been released. These first images from the Israeli rehearsal clearly showcase the staging, including a massive stage element that is already generating significant buzz among other delegations. The photos arrive just one day after the first rehearsal, which took place yesterday afternoon on the stage in Vienna. While anticipation for the Israeli performance was already high, these visuals offer the first clear glimpse into the artistic vision the nation is bringing to the song contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ‎ הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Eurovision Song Contest‎‏ (@‏‎eurovision‎‏)‎‏ Israel at Eurovision 2026: Details of the Staging Revealed Following last year's "Chandelier", the centerpiece this year is the "Diamond" – a massive and impressive stage element. According to the production, it is once again the largest prop...

Israel’s First Rehearsal: Noam Bettan Takes the Eurovision 2026 Stage

May 3, 2026May 4, 2026 by Ido Naman Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel’s Eurovision 2026 representative, Noam Bettan, held his first rehearsal in Vienna with the song "Michelle". Stay tuned for all updates from Austria. The moment fans had been waiting for has arrived: Noam Bettan stepped onto the Eurovision 2026 stage in Vienna, Austria, for his first rehearsal with the song "Michelle"! The performance delivers a surprising concept, featuring a massive on-stage prop that could reshape expectations - and potentially bring Israel its fifth victory in the contest’s history. Noam Bettan is set to perform 10th in the first semi-final on May 12th, where he will compete for a place in the Grand Final against strong contenders such as Finland, widely considered a leading favorite, and powerhouse Sweden. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ‎‏ Israel's First Rehearsal: More Details At the center of the stage stands "The Diamond" - a spectacular and enormous stage prop, reportedly the largest used in the entire Eurovision 2026 production. Bettan opens "Michelle" enclosed inside the structure alongside...

Standing in Support: Over 1,000 Artists Oppose Calls to Exclude Israel from Eurovision

April 18, 2026April 18, 2026 by Neta GeffenNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Over 1,000 international artists signed a letter opposing calls to exclude Israel from Eurovision, amid withdrawals and growing political pressure surrounding participation in the contest. Against the backdrop of increasing calls to remove Israel from Eurovision 2026, set to take place in less than a month in Vienna, an unusual counter-response has emerged: more than 1,000 artists, creators, and entertainment industry figures have signed an open letter supporting the country’s continued participation in the contest. The letter, initiated by the organization “Creative Community For Peace”, includes a long list of leading names from Hollywood and the global music industry. Among the signatories are Amy Schumer, Mila Kunis, and San Marino’s Eurovision 2026 representative Boy George. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Global Voices Speak Out: “A Song Contest Should Unite” The letter states: “A song contest is meant to bridge cultural divides and unite people from different backgrounds. We are shocked and disappointed by calls to...

“I came to shine my light”: An intimate conversation with Noam Bettan on his journey to Eurovision 2026

April 18, 2026 by Talor FishlerNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel’s representative for the upcoming Eurovision met with the fan community for an intimate conversation about the unique blend of Hebrew, English, and French, the Italian influences, and the human message he seeks to bring to the world’s largest stage. Noam Bettan, Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2026, is currently preparing for the professional peak of his life in Vienna, Austria. On May 12th, he will take the stage for the first semi-final, carrying with him the song "Michelle" that blends cultures, languages, and a great deal of emotion. At the annual event of the Eurovision fan organization, OGAE Israel, which was held in a warm and supportive atmosphere, Noam took the stage for a conversation with community representative, Shira Tal, to discuss the journey he has taken and what awaits us this coming May. Watch the full interview: להחליף סרטון כשיהיה (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Noam’s Playlist: Italy at the Top Despite his busy schedule,...

Slovenia’s RTVSLO Chief Sparks Eurovision 2022 Voting Controversy

April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); RTVSLO’s Natalija Gorščak comments on Eurovision 2022, Ukraine, and Israel’s Eurovision 2026 participation debate. Natalija Gorščak, head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, who led the move against Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, recently made a controversial statement claiming: “Ukraine should not have won in 2022, but the United Kingdom.” The remark raises serious questions about voting patterns and perceived fairness in the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Slovenia is one of the countries that led a hardline stance against Israel in Eurovision 2026 and withdrew from the competition following its participation. The Slovenian national broadcaster fully politicized the contest, and its director now complains: “We did not withdraw only because of what is happening in Gaza, but because Eurovision cannot escape politics, even if it claims to do so.” Ukraine as a Case Study in Eurovision Voting Gorščak points to Ukraine as a central example. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine’s 2022 Eurovision entry was officially classified as non-political...

Antigoni Brings Back Eurovision Memories with an Exciting Cover

April 9, 2026 by Ido Naman Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ahead of her Eurovision 2026 performance in Vienna, Antigoni from Cyprus unveils an emotional and surprising cover of a beloved Eurovision classic. Exactly 35 days from now, Antigoni will step onto the stage of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna to represent Cyprus in the second semi-final with her song "Jalla" (in English: "More"), hoping to qualify for the grand final on May 16. Now, amid the peak of her preparations, Antigoni found time within the busy schedule that comes with the competition to record an emotional cover of the song "My Number One", the track that brought Helena Paparizou victory for Greece in Eurovision 2005 and took the contest to Athens the following year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Watch the emotional music video: Early Dreams and Inspiration In January, exactly one month before revealing her Eurovision entry, Antigoni sat down for an interview with Andreas Anastasiou, head of the Cypriot delegation to Eurovision 2026. She opened up about her feelings leading up to the competition and how she envisions her stage...

Cyprus: Pro-Palestinian Organizations Demand Israel’s Removal from Eurovision 2026

April 9, 2026 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A new controversy surrounds Israel’s Eurovision 2026 participation as pro-Palestinian organizations in Cyprus urge CyBC to act for Israel’s removal from the contest. Eurovision 2026 in Vienna is fast approaching, but the controversies surrounding the contest show no signs of slowing down. In a letter sent on April 3, several civil society organizations in Cyprus, including BDS Cyprus and others, called for a reassessment of Israel’s participation in the competition. According to them, the same standard applied to Russia in 2022 should be enforced, whereby a country’s participation may be disqualified if it “damages the reputation of the contest in light of an unprecedented crisis.” The organizations also requested that the Cypriot national broadcaster CyBC contact the official bodies responsible for the contest on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to reconsider Israel’s eligibility to participate in the upcoming competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Between Political Pressure and Broadcast Reality Despite the appeal, no official decision has been...

Criticism of Israel, Zero Action: The Hypocrisy of Eurovision Artists Exposed

March 27, 2026 by Aviad BergerNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Many Eurovision artists are speaking out against Israel’s participation, despite contest rules - but is this genuine concern, or driven by personal or professional interests? Opinion The preparations for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria are at their peak, with just a month and a half remaining until the celebrations, performances, and drama begin. However, anyone who believed this season would pass quietly without controversy surrounding Israel’s participation, which was already approved by the European Broadcasting Union last December—is likely to be sorely disappointed. Not only have five countries withdrawn from the competition, but artists who intend to compete alongside Israel - or who previously did so during the war without objection are now openly voicing criticism. This raises the central question: Why? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Artists vs. Eurovision: "I will not participate in an event that allows Israel’s participation" Just this week, Polish singer Justyna Steczkowska, who represented Poland at Eurovision 2025,...

50 Days to Eurovision: Finland Leads the Betting Tables – Israel Ranks Seventh

March 23, 2026 by Ido NamanNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026 betting now puts Finland first, with France and Denmark close behind. Israel sits seventh. That is the current state of the odds. While exactly 50 days remain until Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria begins, the betting landscape continues to shift as the contest draws closer. Several countries are strengthening their positions near the top of the odds, while others are recording sharp declines, creating a fast-changing picture ahead of Europe’s biggest music event. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Finland Maintains a Clear Lead While Israel is ranked seventh, Finland continues to dominate the top of the betting tables. The duo Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen lead with the song "Liekinheitin" (in English: "Flamethrower") and hold a 28% chance of winning. The Finnish entry, which blends dramatic pop with prominent violin playing, has built a clear advantage over the rest of the countries in the Eurovision Song Contest. Despite Finland’s dominance, past results show that betting tables do not guarantee the...