Everything to Know About Eurovision 2025
TimeMAY 11
Israel Makes Eurovision Final
Above: During the rehearsal for the Semi-Final Round 2 of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Opening Ceremony at Messe Basel on May 15, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland, Yuval Raphael, representing Israel, sings while protesters wave the Palestinian flag (L). Image copyright: Harold Cunningham/Stringer/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Israel's participation upholds Eurovision's founding principles of cultural unity and artistic expression above political divisions. The contest provides a platform for music to bridge differences, and excluding any nation based on political circumstances would contradict its mission of fostering international understanding through cultural exchange.
Narrative B
The continued inclusion of Israel in Eurovision while it conducts military operations in Gaza represents a concerning double standard, particularly given Russia's previous exclusion over its invasion of Ukraine. The contest's claim of political neutrality appears selective and fails to address the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinian civilians.