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Israel has competed at Eurovision since 1973 and won four times: 1978 ("A-Ba-Ni-Bi" by Izhar Cohen), 1979 ("Hallelujah" by Gali Atari & Milk and Honey), 1998 ("Diva" by Dana International), and 2018 ("Toy" by Netta Barzilai). The national finalist is selected through HaKochav HaBa LeEurovision (The Next Star for Eurovision). Israel is unusual in Eurovision, a politically debated entry as a non-European country. Hosting years: 1979 (Jerusalem), 1999 (Jerusalem), 2019 (Tel Aviv).
Cultural note, Eurovision is taken seriously in Israel: viewing parties, screen-watching at home, betting markets ("eurovision pool"). Dana International\'s 1998 win was historic, first openly trans Eurovision winner. Netta Barzilai\'s "Toy" 2018 broke streaming records. Eurovision evening falls around May 12; the public broadcaster KAN runs full coverage. The 2024 entry Eden Golan ("Hurricane") was contested by some EU countries due to the October 7 conflict. Televised votes for and against neighboring countries reflect political alignments.
Eurovision Winners
Show Vocabulary
Notable Performers
Eurovision Logistics
Music Performance Vocabulary
Eurovision Watching Party
Friends gather to watch Eurovision finals.