CLAIMING THEIR SPOT
Why is Israel in Eurovision and how many times have they won the song contest?
In 2024 Israel's singer Eden Golan was booed on stage
EVERY year Eurovision fans tune in for a night of fun as the most outrageous acts from across Europe compete to be crowned winner.
But some of the followers of the famous song contest may wonder why Israel is allowed to take part the show, with some fans protesting against it.
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Why is Israel in Eurovision?
While Israel may not be geographically in Europe they have certainly put up some great acts to take part in Eurovision over the years.
But viewers may wonder why they are allowed to take part, even though they are in a different continent, Asia.
They are allowed to enter Eurovision because the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) is part of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), meaning they can compete.
The country is not the only competitor from outside of Europe.
Australia joined the line-up in 2015, Azerbaijan, which is partially in Europe, and Morocco have competed in the past, and Tunisia and Lebanon have both been considered for a place in the contest as well.
How many times has Israel won Eurovision?
As of 2024, Israel has compete 45 times, and has won Eurovision on four of those occasions - in 1978, 1979, 1998 and 2018.
Izhar Cohen and his band The Alphabeta won the song contest in 1978, with A-Ba-Ni-Bi, which became a No20 hit in the UK.
Vocal group Milk And Honey won in 1979 with their track Hallelujah.
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Hallelujah was a smash hit across Europe, reaching No1 in Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and, of course, Israel.
It was a No5 hit in the UK
Israeli singer Eden Golan shrugs off Eurovision protests after being told to stay in hotel room and delivers powerful semi-final performance
The country won again with singer Dana International in 1998 in Birmingham with the song Diva.
She became the first transgender competitor on the show, and peaked at number 11 in the UK charts.
In 2018 the country was represented by singer Netta Barzila in Lisbon, who won with Toy.
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When did Israel join Eurovision?
Israel has taken part in the Eurovision Song Contest every year since 1973.
They have also hosted the contest in Jerusalem twice in 1979 and 1999, and for the third time in Tel Aviv in 2019.
The country has only failed to qualify six times.
Eurovision Song Contest entries 2024
Here are all of the acts taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Finalists:
- United Kingdom: Olly Alexander - Dizzy
- Sweden: Marcus & Martinus - Unforgettable (2023 winning country)
- France: Slimane - Mon amour
- Germany: ISAAK - Always On The Run
- Italy: Angelina Mango - La Noia
- Spain: Nebulossa - ZORRA
- Serbia: TEYA DORA - RAMONDA
- Portugal: iolanda - Grito
- Slovenia: Raiven - Veronika
- Lithuania: Silvester Belt - Luktelk
- Ireland: Bambie Thug - Doomsday Blue
- Ukraine: alyona alyona & Jerry Heil - Teresa & Maria
- Luxembourg: TALI - Fighter
- Finland: Windows95man - No Rules!
- Croatia: Baby Lasagna - Rim Tim Tagi Dim
- Cyprus: Silia Kapsis - Liar
- Armenia: LADANIVA - Jako
- Austria: Kaleen - We Will Rave
- Estonia: 5MIINUST x Puuluup - (nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
- Georgia: Nutsa Buzaladze - Firefighter
- Greece: Marina Satti - ZARI
- Israel: Eden Golan - Hurricane
- Latvia: Dons - Hollow
- Norway: Gåte - Ulveham
- Netherlands: Joost Klein - Europapa
- Switzerland: Nemo - The Code
Out:
- Poland: LUNA - The Tower
- Iceland: Hera Björk - Scared of Heights
- Moldova: Natalia Barbu - In The Middle
- Azerbaijan: FAHREE feat. Ilkin Dovlatov - Özünlə Apar
- Australia: Electric Fields - One Milkali (One Blood)
- Malta: Sarah Bonnici - Loop
- Albania : BESA - TITAN
- Czechia: Aiko - Pedestal
- Denmark: SABA - SAND
- San Marino: MEGARA - 11:11
- Belgium: Mustii - Before The Party's Over
Who is representing Israel in Eurovision 2024?
Israel will be represented in 2024 by singer-songwriter Eden Golan who'll be performing her song Hurricane.
Despite making it through to the Eurovision final, the singer was booed as she rehearsed her song ahead of the semi-finals.
But Eden has vowed that "nothing will deter" after her performance was interrupted by protesters chanting "Free Palestine".
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Responding to the backlash, she said she was "proud to represent my country".
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Israel's involvement in the competition has been met with fierce criticism due to the country's ongoing war against Hamas inside the Gaza Strip.
However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the event, has dismissed calls for Israel to be excluded.
Everything you need to know about Eurovision
Here's your complete guide to all things Eurovision:
- Who was Marcel Bezençon, when did he come up with the Eurovision Song Contest and what’s the EBU?
- How to host a Eurovision party – from drinking games to decorations and costumes
- How many times has the UK received ‘nil points’ at Eurovision and been bottom of the leaderboard?
- Why is Australia in Eurovision and what would happen if they won?
- How much is Graham Norton paid and what’s his net worth?
- Eurovision winners: where are they now? From working in Tesco to global stardom
- When has Eurovision not been hosted by the winning country?
- How do I vote in Eurovision and when will results be revealed?