The European Broadcasting Union says it won’t exclude Israel from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. As Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reports, the EBU believes that Israel’s broadcaster KAN meets all of the requirements to compete.
The EBU said:
“The Eurovision Song Contest is a competition between public service organizations from across Europe and the Middle East that are members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). It is a competition for broadcasters – not governments – and the Israeli broadcaster has been participating for 50 years.”
The EBU also said it wants to preserve the competition’s status as “an apolitical event that unites audiences around the world through music”.
The EBU added that their decision is also informed by international sports federations, which still welcome Israeli athletes to major competitions.
Earlier this month, the International Ice Hockey Federation banned Israel’s team from participating in the under-20 world championships. However, on Wednesday they reversed their decision after security measures were put in place to address the risks of Israel’s participation.
Israel’s participation at Eurovision 2024 is highly controversial amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Fans have pointed out that Israel’s national selection has included politically loaded segments that politicise the contest. Songwriters in Iceland, two UMK contestants and the French singer La Zarra are among those who have publicly expressed concerns about Israel’s participation.
Disgusting I hope Israel are booed off the stage but of course they are always in the final Jews are widespread in Europe voting for them even if their song is rubbish
I wont be going to Malmo if Israel is allowed to participate and it will put a real shadow overr the whole event if they are there. I would always naively give Israel a pass in previous years but not now- their intention to wipe out Palestine is now clear as articulated by their leaders and shown by their actions.
But you already know that the Palestinians would mercilessly slaughter 80% of you because you represent exactly what they hate.
What a disgustingly racist and sweeping generalisation.
It’s disgusting, but it’s true. 98% of G4z4 citizens are Muslims and Islam dictates that for all “infidels”
Go somewhere else and spread your hate. This has nothing to do with music. Stick to the music nothing more nothing less. A request please. Bye
Slaughter? Are you serious? They couldn’t care less who you are in bed with as long as you let them live in peace, also let’s not pretend that there are queer Palestinians too that are being killed by Israel
Palestinian queers are hiding in israel, looking for assylum….
You are twisting the facts!!!!
It makes no difference at all, they have been in the contest for years and years, during wars and some peace. However, the sentiment will most likely change once or if Israel is formally charged by the ICJ. I feel sorry for the representative though, their career will be ruined.
I will be there booing them off the stage
This year regard israel , wiwi only report about ban Israel from eurovision.
Suddenly they don’t have interest in the Israeli preselection., like they did in previous years.
Ok..we got it….
Perhaps don’t practice Gen0cide then!
Perhaps dont practice stupidity….
That was perhaps one of the worst comebacks thought out by the human mind. The worst part is I can tell by your confidence that you really thought that was a sick burn.
I don’t respect individuals or people who forcefully bring their political issues to this platform. It’s a music platform after all about Eurovision. There are many news websites and you can place your opinions there.
The best thing we can hope for is some form of civil disobedience against Israel in Malmo. Whether it be during the delegations stay or during the performance which we all know is going to feature hidden satanic undertones relating to the gen0cide.
Hope so
Exactly and those who disagree are pathetic
This was FALSE NEWS. No new statement has been made, YLE from Finland directly asked whether there’s been a new statement and no, this is from December. We shall see.
Russia and Belarus should try their luck and appeal to join Eurovision next year.
And if Russia managed to get back in, even if the war was still on, if they sent a YAS QUEEN dancebop performed by a “Queen” who “slayed”, there would be fans with blisters on their fingers from voting for it so hard.
They should send putin in as the dumb puppet if vote for that
“The EBU also said it wants to preserve the competition’s status as “an apolitical event that unites audiences around the world through music”.” Yeah right.
It’s so funny that they still clarifying it for the 100th time. But a bunch of Arabs that don’t care about Eurovision are still raging.
Except for the Arabs forced from their homes by Israelis
Just like Arabs have forced millions of people out of their homes for more than a thousand years also for cultural and – especially, religious differences
I am 95% sure that Israel will win Eurovision this year. As more and more songs are revealed in other countries (and yes, I’ve heard them all so far, even the leaked ones) I realize that no song sounds as “Winner” to me. The main threat is Sweden.
If there is a country that can prevent Israel from winning, it is Sweden. That’s why I’m waiting for their songs to be revealed.
Luxembourg should win. Its neutral, classy and isn’t loved or hated because of war. It just is beautiful
Israel is gonna do well, but not win
i think juries will give them more points than televoters, especially if what i think its going to be a ballad with a decent heartbreak story
Croatia i can see winning obviously
there is no way Israel will win. there are a lot of palenstine supporters who don’t wanna vote israel even tho their song is good
Bruh, we don’t even know the song and it’s not as if Israel is winning the internet war. This isn’t Ukraine 2022, so you better stop spamming these comments bc you’re not doing your country any favors
Disgusting decision by the EBU. This so called country is being investigated for war crimes and gen0cide and the EBU turn the other way. This years contest is ruined.
“” so called country”????? Here we go. Ignoramt ANTISEMITE ,
It’s people like you that ruins everything around you.
United by music with hopes for better times to all.
Calling it a country is too complimentary. We will see your farce of a theocracy in the Internation Criminal Court of Justice
You don’t know what „complimentary” means, you don’t even know that the „I” in ICJ stands for International, but not „Internation”, but you pretend to be an expert in war crimes and ICJ investigations.
Dear Wiwi, please accept the hate you have in your heart towards the world’s only jewish state is not shared by the EBU, the broadcasters, or the public at large.
Your decision to boycott coverage of their national final is infantile, but you seem to overestimate yourself in thinking it will make any difference whatsoever.
Ask yourself why is none of the major ESC sites covering the selection process.
And you only speak for yourself when you say public at large
Yet youre still here.
Aight then I guess someone’s getting boo’d at this year
Russia got “boo” in 2015 and finished 2nd 🙂
Does this mean Russia is back in the competition??? I mean, just trying to understand the difference !
There’s a difference in defending yourself from terrorist extremists hiding amidst the common folk and invading and bringing an entire nation to ruin. I don’t support Israel’s actions but in this scenario too many fans only demand Israel’s withdrawal now even though the conflict’s been there for ages.
Literally anyone who only says Israel should be banned since October has no idea how the conflict actually ticks. It’s a constant grudge match of which side pisses off the other more
I do not think that dislocation of 85% of the population, killing over 25.000 people and destroying 60% of facilities, homes and civil buildings can be called ‘defence’. In this case why has Israel publicly anounced they won’t agree to create a state of Palestine.
Cause the Palestinian does not want a two state solution, they want the eradication of Israel.
Chanting “from the river to the sea” is not exactly promoting a 2 state solution. The Palestinians don’t want to co exist with Israel. They made it very clear so don’t try to blame Israel for that.
You have to be mentally challenged to compare between the 2. Israel was attacked, Russia started a war without a reason. What’s so hard to understand? The Palestinians still hold more than 130 Israeli hostages and refuse to set them free. Therefore prolonging the war. What’s so hard to understand?
I mean… KAN is not the one leading the government actions. Why should it be banned ? All the social justice warriors snowflakes out here need to calm down. Or just don’t follow ESC and leave us alone.
The participant represents the country. There’s a flag parade, for fecks sake. It’s not the broadcaster’s or artist’s name written in the bottom left corner during the performance. Spokespeople give out points to countries.
KAN is a public, government run and funded company. So it really is not possible to make a full destination. Anyone who will agree to represent Israel this year should know full well that by doing so, they do take a political stance. It’s just the way it is. Nothing in this world is isolated.
*a full distinction (sorry)
Yeah and not the whole population of Israel is behind the government decisions. The broadcaster indeed represents the country, not its government actions, decisions or will. This contest is apolitical. If you don’t get it, get out of here and complain on X or Instagram
KAN is not government run. It is funded with public money but is an independent entity. Therefore it had a lot of problems with Netanyahu since their establishment. Even the refusal to fund the expenses of ESC 2019 was one of the governments ways to weaken them financially.
“across Europe and the Middle East” funny how the only middle eastern country represented is a colonial project that only exists because Europe looked at a bunch of holocaust survivors and said “not in my back yard.” Why is it that Russia can get kicked for doing a war but Israel is excused for g e n o c i d e.
All Middle Eastern countries are colonies, not only Israel
Wtf are you talking about? The rest are ex-colonies. The european powers that once controlled them have much less sway. Meanwhile Israel is a puppet of US interests with a near constant stream of new settlers arriving to displace and opress the indigenous population. Israel is an active colonizing force that is openly and actively hostile to all its neighbors. If the EBU wants to represent “the middle east” israel is the last country they should support; not the only
Israel is not more of a colony than, say, Syrian Arab Republic
“the rest are ex-colonies,” ehm, Phoenicians, Coptic Egyptians, Amazigh people, Assyrians, Kurds, etc. would beg to differ
Some of y’all have short memories. EBU wasn’t supposed to ban the Russian broadcaster in 2022 before 10 others threatened to withdraw from ESC. EBU had to ban it because of the others
And the same should happen here. What’s not clicking?
Just don’t follow ESC this year if you’re not happy with EBU decisions. Why are you still here ? Go complain elsewhere where one would care about it.
For those who say that “the war has ruined this contest”… Well it ruined a lot more than that.
Eurovision is not a normal contest, it has the particular goal to bring Europe together and it’s based on European core values. This is sometimes forgotten. It’s not an European cup. So the states that completely move away from this purpose eventually withdraw or are banned. Russia, Hungary, Turkey… I always expressed my concerns with Israel and this year it’s pretty clear that this country, as it is and ruled by these crazy people, does not fit in Eurovision.
Eurovision is apolitical? What an absolute joke of a statement
War has ruined this contest recently.
From Ukraine been favourites 3 years running, to Israel problems now, Russia, uk 2001 Iraq war.
It’s a mess it affects voting results, scandal, conflict and long term false hatred of a country or false love of a country
Let them take part….just don’t vote for their act! All that money spent for nothing.
And Its good to see people questioning the motives and double standards of the EBU.
Well, well, well….all that hate talk to no avail. Israel 1 – Haters 0.
Now focus on the music!
We will never capitulate to this farce of a nation.
tired of this already…
hope they withdraw, or it will overshadow everything else in the contest
What frustrates me here isn’t even EBU, they’re known cowards with no spine. That’s expected. What really frustrates me are broadcasters like NRK (Norway), who pretend like it’s their holy duty to be neutral in any conflict when they WEREN’T in 2022 with Russia. They led the protest movement and got EBU to concede. Now suddenly, they’re meekly claiming it’s totally up to EBU and they shouldn’t have an opinion? That’s another way of saying the lives of Ukrainians are neutral and non-political, but the even higher number of dead Palestinians are not so. It’s plain hypocrisy. If they wanted… Read more »
I think countries are scared of demanding an Israeli ban or withdrawal because Israel will accuse them of being anti-Semitic. There was no fear of that with Russia because being branded Russophobic is something to be proud of.
Remember when Kan threatened to pull out in 2022? There was some uncertainty over the security arrangements for Michael Ben David. Some disagreement with a government minister or something. Presumably whoever is sent this year will need that same security, probably even more so. It would be a good excuse for Kan to drop out while at the same time avoiding a big headache for everyone concerned.
I hope no artist accepts to represent Israel and/or Israel pulls out of the competition. What was right for Russia is right for Israel too. Otherwise there would be booing, protests or even stage invasions which would take away all the enjoyment and it would hurt artists from other countries too.
I don’t believe in banning any nation, but it’s worrying to have different rules for different countries.. particularly for nations that have displayed unwillingness for human rights for other citizens… Europeans believe in fairness…I don’t see much fairness from this decision.
This is a disgrace. But it is frequently futile to expect the correct moral decisions to come from the top. They need to come from us. From the viewers, from the artists, from the delegations. To say that Eurovision is apolitical is ridiculous. It is now more than ever a platform for showing the kind of moral character we should all strive for, even if it’s uncomfortable and a little rebellious. I hope the message of what kind of world we want to live in will be heard loud and clear this year.
The EBU has no backbone. Shame on them!
Ur cancelled then, for your anti-israel behaviour
Israel, the no.1 country in esc who add something to the contest unlike most other countries
Nobody is ‘cancelled’. People are allowed too share their opinions whether you think it’s right or not.
This is not the end of the story, I believe. Do you remember how Russia pulled out of the contest in 2017?
Dont compare israel with evil russia
You are right! Israel is much worse
Did Soros and Larry Fini bribe the EBU?
Larry Fink* Damned autocorrector
Literal antisemitism.
Your mum did
People, be smart. Don’t hate on the person that will represent Israel in Malmö. Hate is still too much to give if you ask me. Simply ignore him/her, literally. No need to say horrible things. Ignoring is the best thing we can do along with not voting for it. Listen to the song when it comes out because it’s always nice to see what’s in competition but then don’t stream it. And if I was a eurovision journalist I would just ignore too. This would be what I consider the best decision but let’s be honest, the press will give… Read more »
This description of the ESC by the EBU is, sadly, not accurate: “an apolitical event that unites audiences around the world through music”. Eurovision was founded with the motivation to unite nations through the broadcasting of music. If there were no politics involved, then the ESC competitors would not be defined by their nations, and nor would their broadcasters. It is perfectly possible to have a song contest that is solely about the songs and doesn’t refer to nations – The ESC is certainly not that kind of contest. It is driven by and defined by patriotism and by the… Read more »
Will “Purple Mask, England” reach you?
Metaphorically it just did. 🙂
Next I’m waiting for the EBU to invite Syria, Libya and Cuba to this apolitical contest. Else, it’s a pure BS. You can invite Australia which is not in Europe, then you block Russia for invading Ukraine and Belarus for being in love with Russia and dictators. But somehow, somehow you close your eyes when Azeris are killing Armenians, Israelis are killing Palestinians (not saying either side is trustworthy), or Ukraine winning the contest with 2 obviously political songs in the past 10 years. My as* is less political than what this contest had become let it be in agreement… Read more »
Out of all countries, you decide to mention Cuba? The same country whose regime has parasited and infested a whole continent since 1959?
Completely delusional take. Cuba has been a stalwart of anti-imperialism against US aggression (both economic and military) for decades. US capitalists foam at the mouth that Cubans dare to resist them and embrace socialism, which is anathema to the rich and powerful that pull all the strings of US government and politics.
I’m Mexican and my mom’s from Cuba, you dork. The Castro regime leeches or has leeched on the resources of all of Latin America, while having Cubans living on the worst conditions possible (to the point where young kids prostitute themselves for some food), so don’t come and westplain me about nor try to whitewash that bloody regime ever again
Technically Libya is already able to participate, since it’s located within the European Broadcasting Area and has a broadcaster that’s a part of European Broadcasting Union.
If Israel have any sense, they won’t send a participant because they will be subject to pure criticism and negativity, good song or not. You shouldn’t set someone up for that kind of torture.
I kinda agree. I do want Israel to participate this year, but the participant will get so much criticism and hate and that is not okay at all
Israel is getting criticized by just existing. From October 7th we have stopped to care. we are used to Antisemitism, it won’t stop us from protecting ourselves and won’t stop us from participating in the Eurovision.
I have to say is, i understand the EBU placement about the Israel situation, but it feels they are not pressuring the KAN network, to do right thing to at least willdraw from Eurovision 2024, but will not happen, so will SVT or Malmo auth. make the right safety rules or ESC 2024 image will badly damaged by management of situation. Its understandable to compare this situation to 2022 Russia-Ukranie’s conflict insue, but if networks envolved will not pressure to EBU to mandate a appliction an KAN suspension of ESC, now close to semifinal draw, on the 30th. The EBU… Read more »
They should have been banned for god sake. They’ve been some past Eurovision artists and Nordic countries who are calling themselves Israel and KAN to be banned from the song contest by the EBU maybe some months later.
Oh, God. This is such a mess. Have nothing against Israel, but Bibi is a pos and so is H4m4s (who were elected by G4z4 citizens back in 2005) for the sh*t they did on (and have done since) October 7th and I want that to end 🙁
I’m glad Israel is allowed to participate and I also hope we will see Russia back again soon. however, I don’t understand Israel’s desire to participate, as they will most likely get a lot of negative opposition ):
instead of just downvote my comment maybe you can give me some arguments
Israel as a state would not have lasted 75 years if they gave in to opposition so easily.
it make sense, but here I mostly think about the participant. I don’t think all the hate they will get is justified. I’m so scared that whoever is the contestant for israel gets so much hate just because the person is from israel.
the reason I think Russia and Israel should be banned is bcs any revenue they get will go to the government and not KAN because most of the revenue they get will be in terms of tourism, social media and so on which goes straight to the government which will fund the ongoing “war”. anyway KAN should be banned for having multiple political subjects in their national selection and not doing anything to show support for Palestine
I still believe that we should keep politics out of eurovison
We need to have some criteria to allow countries to participate. Otherwise, why not invite other countries without the same values and rights as Europe? Why not go with Saudi Arabia, China, Iran? To participate we need the bare minimum and that is to advocate for peace and endorse the basic human rights.
I mean first of all it is Eurovision and not worldvision … and yes I know there is countries from outside of europe in eurovision, but lets not invite the whole world right 😉
Am also happy, israel add so much to the contest its diversity with its ethnic music, one of a kind
I hope Israel will send a really good song like they did in 2023
Yes, let’s whitewash the truth by sending a dance bop
yes you are so right. I can’t wait for another incredible dance break
Yeah, like Sweden rigging the contest through juries lol
And that comment relates how?
Why you always turn everything into a topic about how Sweden cheats, is bad and how you smirk when trying to push Swedes down? Especially when no one asked your opinion?
Ok so people not happy by that are forcefully antisemitic and people happy by that are forcefully zionist. Definetely no shades in this world.
And if we got rid of the flags and we focused only on music…. it’s my biggest esc dream but I can keep dreaming I guess.
This esc year will be messy like never it was predictable and it’s sad.
Please look up the headline “is this a real video of Israeli children singing..” on snopes.com
It seems like that’s a rule break, but idk
It won’t let me send links
(if you see me comment a lot, sorry, my comments aren’t being approved)
I’m not picking sides, but it looks at least like this is true. Correct me if I’m wrong, I’m trying to be careful not to say anything wrong or false
Where is your article on Portugal?
Yes maria joao her entry is a slay
Yes indeed
my comment isn’t posting LOL
this is frustrating
nevermind..
I would like to visit Malmo in May only in order to protest for the crime washing of the Israeli government by Eurovision and their double standards.
People like you have to be banned!
The only double standards here are by you guys, in the comments.
Israel has been participating for 50 years already, with many wars and operations along the way.
I don’t recall you guys shouting like that any other year.
Give me a break… Everything will back to normal anyway after the war.
I just hope the person who will represent us will not let the hate overwhelm them.
Imagine thinking that it is people calling for the boycott of a genocidal state that are hateful, and not the genocidal state itself. Give your head a wobble mate.
everything is going back to normal after the war, yes
Netanyahu will be gone from power too after the war
Israel has been participating for 50 years and likely for 50 more years i guess
I have been raising my voice against Israel since you decided to keep invading west bank… Just shut down the settlements, go back to your borders, try to finally get the 2 states solution and then maybe all Europe can see you as a partner.
Oh and the argument we were involved in other “wars and operations” and you did not notice is not really that strong
so nice when people call me antisemitic (when i’m not) is it so wrong to think of the innocent p.a.le.s.t.i.n.i.a.n.s
if i were antisemitic, would i have liked 2015 Golden Boy or 2016 Made of Stars or 2019 Home then? ask yourself that
and not to forget my crush Dana International, mommy
People will call you antisemtic these days by supporting basal Palestinian human rights, the Palestinians themselves being of Semitic ethnicity. Make it make sense…
okay, my votes are going to Israel in may, now good
What segment in the national final was political? What are you on about? There are a lot of talks about the war, of course, because it hurt nearly every household in Israel, but other than that? Same tv show as always… You guys used to write about it in the past but now? Nothing… You prefer ignoring us instead of dealing with some hateful comments. To think I met some of you not even a year ago, at Israel Calling… I won’t even start talking about the war its self because I know no one will convince the other anyway.… Read more »
I can’t wait for the song reveal in March. It will break the internet! I wonder which song will be chosen, a ballad? A pop song? An ethnic song? Israel is the most intriguing country this year for sure!
Troll.
hebrew language is confirmed of a requirement to be in the song, so ethnic it’ll for sure be
but what style, ballad or pop, could be a ballad, heartbreak song?
After seeing lukewarm responses from the broadcasters I’m not surprised.
To those openly antisemitic such as ‘The Voice of Reason’ or ‘Anonymous91’: obviously Eurovision just isn’t for you. Maybe you should just boycott the contest altogether then and fukk right off.
no, intervision is more my cup of tea i guess, with mother russia
Pretty much looks like it.
And to all those downvoting my comment: I really hope you just haven’t read their comments yet. Otherwise there’s a special place in hell assigned for you.
lets not fight please