Noa Kirel, Israel’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, expressed her disappointment at the possibility of the Israeli state broadcaster KAN being barred from participating in next year’s edition, set to take place in Vienna, Austria. She hopes people will “see the good side” of her country.
“It was one of the highlights of my career, it was an amazing experience for me,” stated the 24-year-old Israeli artist, reflecting on her Eurovision participation.
Despite acknowledging that she is “very different” since representing Israel “two years ago,” Noa Kirel expressed her hope that her country will not be excluded from Eurovision.
“This is not about politics. It’s never been and should remain focused on music,” she insisted.
“Those voting understand that politics have nothing to do with this competition. I hope people comprehend that, respect it, and see the good side… not the bad side,” she added.
It should be noted that Noa Kirel was conscripted into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in February 2020 and served for about two years in the entertainment division.
In May 2023, she represented Israel at the 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Liverpool, United Kingdom, and secured 3rd place with ‘Unicorn’, finishing just behind Finland and the winning Sweden.
Several Countries Call for Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision
In recent weeks, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Slovenia, and Iceland have called on the EBU to expel the Middle Eastern country over the offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The Dutch state broadcaster, AVOTROS, stated that it “can no longer justify Israel’s participation in the current situation, given the severe and ongoing human suffering in Gaza.”
The Irish public broadcaster, RTÉ, also declared that the country “will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel’s participation is confirmed.”
The most recent position came from Spain, with the RTVE Board of Directors announcing it would boycott the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 if Israel participates.
“Spain will withdraw from Eurovision if Israel continues in the competition,” wrote José Pablo López, president of RTVE, on social media platform X.
España se retirará de Eurovisión si Israel continúa en el certamen
La medida se ha tomado a propuesta del presidente de RTVE, por mayoría absoluta del órgano de administración de la Corporación, con 10 votos a favor, 4 en contra y una abstenciónhttps://t.co/z1EHLNAOfP a… pic.twitter.com/ayR8JsaLgT
— José Pablo López (@Josepablo_ls) September 16, 2025
Spain’s stance is particularly significant as it is the first of the ‘Big 5’ countries to announce a boycott. Among the ‘Big 5’ are also the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, whose public broadcasters contribute significantly to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and, consequently, the organization of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Israel’s Participation in Next Eurovision to Be Voted in November
In response to the appeals, the EBU announced last week its decision to bring forward the meeting to discuss and vote on Israel’s participation in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest to November. The event will be held in May in Vienna, Austria, and the discussion was initially planned for December during the General Assembly.
In a letter sent to member countries and published by the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, EBU President Delphine Ernotte stated that the Executive Board acknowledges an “unprecedented diversity of opinions” regarding the participation of the Israeli broadcaster KAN.
“The Board believes the Union promotes inclusion and an open cultural dialogue reflecting the values of Public Service Media. However, the Board recognized that reaching a consensual position on KAN’s participation would not be possible,” Ernotte commented.
As such, highlighting that the EBU “has never faced a division like this,” the executive confirmed that the participation of Israel “deserves a broader democratic foundation for a decision, in which all members should have a say.”
This will lead to a special General Assembly session in early November “so members can vote on the issue of participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.”
Israel has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1973 and has won the competition four times. Recently, several countries have called for its expulsion due to the current offensive in the Gaza Strip. Understand why Israel still participates.
Márcia Guímaro Rodrigues | 16:02 – 13/09/2025
Leia Também: Eurovisão? Presidente de Israel lamenta: “Ações para nos enfraquecer”
