The European Broadcasting Union has made minor changes to Israel's Eurovision entry lyrics, a decision made after the original entry was deemed too political.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has made some minor changes to the lyrics of Israel's entry for this year's Eurovision, as reported by Israeli media. The song in question, titled 'Kochav Haba' (The Next Star), performed by Noam Bettan, has undergone these adjustments, although the specific alterations have not been disclosed. This approval from the EBU comes after a previous entry was rejected due to its political content, which referenced the tragic events of a Hamas attack in October 2023 that resulted in numerous casualties.
The original submission for Israel's 2024 Eurovision entry, named 'Oktober-regn' (October Rain), was turned down by the EBU on the basis that it was considered too political. The song explicitly dealt with the violent incident that took place, which included the death of 1200 individuals. This highlights the fine line that Eurovision often walks regarding the content of the entries, especially when it intersects with sensitive political issues, and suggests an effort by the EBU to maintain a more neutral stance in its competition.
Moreover, this year’s Israeli entry is a collaborative effort led by Yuval Raphael, who secured second place in last year's Eurovision with the song 'New Day Will Rise'. The upcoming event is set against a backdrop of controversy, as five countries, including Spain, Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, are boycotting this year’s Eurovision in protest against Israel's participation amidst ongoing conflict, illustrating the political tensions surrounding this international event.
