Israel Archives - Page 2 of 33

“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...

Eurovision 2026 Odds: These Are the 10 Countries Favoured to Win

March 12, 2026 by Ilay GaistNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026: All contest songs have been revealed, and one country still holds the lead in the betting odds! Which countries are leading? This is the current state of the betting tables. The list of competing songs in Eurovision 2026 has been completed, and all 35 songs were unveiled yesterday (Wed) for listening! With the release of the songs, the betting table is stabilizing and providing a clearer picture of who has a chance to win the contest and who is expected to miss out on the final. The betting tables now carry significant weight as a tool for predicting the results of the contest, which will be held in May in Vienna, Austria. The betting will close in parallel with the broadcast of the Eurovision Grand Final, which will be held on May 16th. The full betting table is at the bottom of the article! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who Are the Top 10 Countries Competing...

EBU Steps In: Sweden’s Felicia Sparks Controversy Over Israel Comments

March 10, 2026 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Screenshot: SVT EBU responds to Sweden's Eurovision 2026 representative Felicia after her controversial statements about Israel, emphasizing neutrality and the official code of conduct. Moments ago, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) addressed the statements made by the Swedish representative, Felicia, against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. This statement follows the singer's interview with the Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter, where she remarked, “Actually, I do not think Israel should participate. There are a lot of murders happening. It is hard to concentrate on music when there is so much suffering”. The union's response clarifies that such statements may violate the Eurovision Song Contest's code of conduct, which aims to ensure a safe, respectful, and apolitical environment for all participants. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "The EBU supports freedom of expression, but..." Martin Green, the director of the Eurovision Song Contest, stated: “We are aware of comments made by Felicia following her selection as the Swedish representative for the Eurovision Song Contest...

Israel Files Complaint Against Felicia After Calls for Disqualification

March 9, 2026 by Aviad Berger Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Screenshot: SVT Norwegian national broadcaster confirms: Israel has filed an official complaint with the European Broadcasting Union against Felicia following a political statement opposing Israel’s participation In recent hours, it has been confirmed that the exclusive report by EuroMix Eurovision website from yesterday is accurate: Israel has indeed submitted an official complaint against Sweden’s Eurovision 2026 representative, Felicia. The Norwegian national broadcaster has now confirmed that the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation submitted a formal complaint to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) following the Swedish artist’s statement opposing Israel’s participation in the contest. This development marks a significant step regarding the alleged violation of Eurovision rules by the Swedish performer. The regulations strictly prohibit participants from using the Eurovision platform to promote political messages or target any participating nation. According to the Norwegian report, the Israeli broadcaster filed the complaint after the Swedish artist publicly stated that in her opinion, Israel should not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest. The EBU is...

Listen: Noam Bettan Reveald His Entry “Michelle” For Eurovision 2026

March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by Adiel ShtainmetzNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel at Eurovision 2026: Noam Bettan revealed the song "Michelle", which he'll perform on the Eurovision stage in May. Listen to the song. "Michelle" is the title of the song to be performed by singer Noam Bettan, who will represent Israel in the second half of the first semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, to be held on May 12 in Vienna, Austria. The song was written by Yuval Raphael, Tzlil Klifi, and Nadav Aharoni - three prominent figures in the Israeli music scene, with Yuval Raphael, who represented Israel in the previous Eurovision as a singer. Noam Bettan also joined the list of lyricists. The Israeli entry for Eurovision was revealed this evening during a special broadcast aired on the Israeli Public Broadcaster, KAN 11. The show featured the song’s creators alongside members of the selection committee who chose Israel’s entry for the contest. Hila Korach hosted the event, and during the broadcast, Bettan performed with Yuval Raphael...