News Archives - Page 74 of 242

HaKokhav HaBa – Episode 12: Five Contestants Advance to the Next Round

December 6, 2025January 12, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "HaKokhav HaBa" - Episode 12: Five contestants passed to the next round. The advancing contestants are Nathan Ben Shimon, Sandy Deri, Eden Hen, Nuriel Yashar, and Rotem Sharabi. Tonight, the twelfth episode of the reality show “HaKokhav HaBa" aired, through which Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen. So far, 54 contestants have secured their place in the competition, and during tonight’s episode, four additional contestants advanced to the next stage thanks to the votes of the judges and the studio audience – One of them might go on to represent Israel in Eurovision this coming May. The auditions will conclude this coming Tuesday. The panel once again included Assaf Amdursky, Keren Peles, Shiri Maimon, Eden Hasson, and Itay Levi. Joining them this time were Netta Barzilai, who won Eurovision 2018 with the song "Toy", and Dana International, who won Eurovision 1998 with the song "Diva", alongside her agent Shai Kerem. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Nathan Ben Shimon Nathan Ben Shimon, 20 years old from Ra’anana. He previously...

BBC Hides Vote on Israel Eurovision 2026 Participation – Unlike France & Italy

December 6, 2025January 12, 2026 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The BBC backs the collective decision to keep Israel in Eurovision 2026, yet refuses to reveal its own vote. Is this silence a calculated bid to dodge political fallout? While broadcasters across Europe — from France to Portugal, — unveiled how they voted regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 at the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) General Assembly, the British national broadcaster (BBC) chose ambiguity. In a formal statement, the BBC expressed support for the “democratic decision” but did not specify how it voted. The Assembly overwhelmingly approved changes to EBU regulations — 738 in favor, 264 against — allowing all member broadcasters, including Israel, to participate automatically. Yet, one detail drew attention: 120 abstentions. According to media reports, the BBC is believed to be among the key broadcasters that refrained from voting. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Dilemma of Tim Davie: Between the Hammer and the Anvil The BBC’s ambiguity wasn’t accidental. The broadcaster has long struggled to balance its position regarding the...

Portugal: Drama following support for Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026

December 6, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Portugal’s national broadcaster faces internal protests after supporting Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, amid growing European calls for boycotts Over recent months, numerous voices in Portugal urged the country not to support Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026. Contestants in the Portuguese national selection announced they would withdraw if Israel took part, and Spain openly called on Portugal to join its stance. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); However, during Thursday’s conference, Portugal voted in favor of the new regulations and Israel’s continued participation in the competition. Internal Backlash at RTP Following the decision, Portugal’s national broadcaster RTP now faces growing internal conflict. According to local reports, several employees have expressed strong opposition to the network’s stance and to the decision not to withdraw from the contest under the current circumstances. The employees argue that Eurovision is entering one of the most polarized and controversial seasons in its history. They urge RTP’s management to reconsider its support and align with Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, and...

Italy: “We supported Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026”

December 6, 2025December 6, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Italy’s RAI confirms support for Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, highlighting unity among major “Big 5” nations behind the contest’s inclusive vision The EBU held a decisive vote last Thursday on regulatory changes to the Eurovision Song Contest, aimed among other things at giving juries more influence during the semi-finals. If those changes had not passed, another vote would have been held regarding Israel’s participation in the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The changes were approved in Thursday’s vote, securing Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026. In response, Italy’s national broadcaster RAI released an official statement on Friday expressing support for Israel’s participation, alongside the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation KAN. RAI added that, as part of the “Big 5”, it felt it was right to support this decision, emphasizing that “Eurovision unites diverse cultures in a shared celebration, and we remain committed to the contest as a means of promoting our culture worldwide”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle ||...

Georgia: Eurovision 2026 Participation Confirmed

December 5, 2025December 5, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Georgian national broadcaster GPB has announced that it confirms its participation in Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria. Georgian national broadcaster, GBP has confirmed that the country will participate in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria. Georgia becomes the 34th country to express interest in joining Eurovision 2026, following following Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. A message of support to the Israeli participation in the Eurovision Song Contest was added in Georgia's confirmation of participation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Georgia's Eurovision History: Early Success and Long-term Decline Georgia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 16 times, never winning, and was absent once. Another planned participation in Eurovision 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially considered a successful and consistent participant, Georgia...

Revolution in Eurovision: Who’s Withdrawing, Who’s Staying – and What Awaits Us in Vienna 2026?

December 5, 2025January 12, 2026 by Oscar Diefenthal Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026: The European Broadcasting Union’s first official statement following the annual assembly confirms new contest regulations, growing concerns about political influence, and an expected lineup of 35 participating countries. Article by Liron Gani. The 95th General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva concluded with a pivotal decision: members approved the newly revised Eurovision Song Contest regulations—but no vote was held regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026. According to the summary, an overwhelming majority agreed that the current regulatory changes were sufficient and that no further vote on participation was required. In the official statement released by the EBU, it was emphasized that members supported a range of adjustments to the competition’s rules aimed at “strengthening trust, transparency, and neutrality within the event.” The EBU added that any national broadcaster willing to adhere to the new regulations would remain eligible to participate in Eurovision 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Confidence and Neutrality Strengthened Through New Rules: The...

Infuriating: Turkish Involvement in the Debate Over Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

December 5, 2025December 5, 2025 by Oscar Diefenthal Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Turkey, absent from Eurovision for 13 years due to “value differences” and with a record of human rights violations, harshly attacked Israel after failing to block its participation in the 2026 contest. Turkey withdrew from Eurovision in 2013 following a long process of transition from a secular republic to a state governed by strict Islamist ideology, citing “value differences”. These differences mainly relate to the contest’s cultural association with the LGBTQ+ community. Nevertheless, the Turkish national broadcaster, TRT, took an active role in a debate held yesterday in Geneva concerning Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision 2026. After Turkey’s position was rejected, TRT issued a harsh and aggressive verbal condemnation of Israel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); During the meeting, TRT emerged as one of Israel’s fiercest critics alongside Spain. The Turkish delegate, accompanied by Algeria’s representative often described as one of the most antisemitic countries globally walked out when Golan Yochpaz from the Israeli Public...

France: “We Helped Prevent the Boycott of Israel at Eurovision 2026”

December 5, 2025January 12, 2026 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot states that France firmly opposed efforts to boycott Israel at Eurovision 2026. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot celebrated on Twitter the decision allowing Israel to remain in Eurovision 2026, using the platform to issue a sharp condemnation of the boycott movement. In his statement, he revealed that the French national broadcaster France Télévisions not only voted in favour of the rule reform – effectively backing Israel’s participation – but also played a significant role in the decision to prevent the boycott from going ahead. This position had previously been articulated by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, who had already stated clearly that he opposed any boycott. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In his remarks, Barrot declared that France “will never choose the path of boycotting peoples and artists.” He stressed that “through culture we learn to understand one another and encounter the only truly universal thing – humanity. Is there any better way to build peace?” Barrot criticised the countries that...

Geert Wilders Shocked: “The Dutch Withdrawal from Eurovision – Antisemitism!”

December 5, 2025January 12, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The opposition leader shocks the Netherlands with an unprecedented response following his country's withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 - Accuses decision-makers of antisemitism and calls to disband AVROTROS. Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch opposition and head of the right-wing Party for Freedom, has launched a scathing critique against the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS for its decision to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's participation. Mere minutes after the broadcaster announced the country's withdrawal, the politician accused the public broadcaster of antisemitism and demanded its disbandment in a social media post. The politician addressed the public with an unequivocal statement leaving no room for hesitation, writing: "Antisemitism and hatred of Israel rejected in the ugliest way. Abolish AVROTROS!" (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Antisemitisme en walgelijke Israël-haat in zijn lelijkste vorm. Opheffen die AVROTROS! #songfestival https://t.co/DWn6dHfJ9L — Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) December 4, 2025 Many people worldwide agree with Wilders. The Eurovision contest aims to unite European countries on one stage through music, without any reference to...

Belgium Over Israel’s Participation: “Culture Is Never Entertainment Detached from Reality”

December 5, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Following the Geneva conference: Belgian-Walloon national broadcaster RTBF confirmed participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, while issuing a controversial statement regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip. Belgian-Walloon national broadcaster, RTBF has confirmed that the country will participate in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria. Belgium becomes the 33rd country to express interest in joining Eurovision 2026, following following Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Belgium Before the Conference Until now, Belgium’s position appeared very inconsistent. The country confirmed its participation on July 8th but withdrew the statement only few days later. In August, reports even suggested that Belgium had already chosen its representative for Vienna, though the broadcaster quickly denied the rumors even when another familiar name associated with representing Belgium. On September...