The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the Eurovision Song Contest, may not allow the Israeli entry "October Rain," performed by Eden Golan, to compete, citing concerns over its "political context." Reporting the news, Walla! cited a source in the Israeli music industry.
In a statement to the Israeli website, the EBU stated that experts are currently carefully reviewing the lyrics of "October Rain," which is expected to reference Hamas's October 7 massacre. The Kan public broadcaster will announce the final decision as it sends the participants to the contest.
If the "October Rain" is deemed unsuitable, Israel will have the option to submit a different song or change the lyrics.
Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar called the EBU's intention to remove the Israeli song from the competition "scandalous." According to him, Eden Golan's song expresses the feelings of Israelis and has no political context. "We hope Eurovision will remain a music competition and not turn into an arena for political struggle," he said.
On February 21, Channel 12 reported that due to concerns that the Israeli contestant would not be allowed to compete, Israel's rating with the bookies sharply decreased.
Israeli performers Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta, Milk and Honey, Dana International, and Netta won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1978, 1979, 1998, and 2018, respectively.
