Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is a frequent point of discussion, given its geographic location outside of Europe. The reason Israel competes boils down to its membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
The EBU is the organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest. Membership in the EBU, rather than geographic location, is the primary criterion for participation. The EBU is a professional association of national broadcasters, primarily public service broadcasters, whose principal activities include producing and transmitting broadcast programming. To become a member, a broadcasting organization must be located in the European Broadcasting Area, or in a member state of the Council of Europe. Importantly, Article 10 of the European Broadcasting Convention allows countries outside these boundaries to join if they fulfill certain requirements.
Israel’s national broadcaster, the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), was a member of the EBU until its closure in 2017. Kan, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, subsequently took over and became the EBU member. This membership allows Israel to participate in Eurovision. Other non-European countries that participate due to EBU membership include Australia.
Beyond EBU membership, there are other compelling reasons for Israel’s continued participation. Eurovision provides a significant platform for cultural exchange and showcasing Israeli talent to a vast international audience. It offers Israeli artists an opportunity to gain exposure and build a global fanbase. The contest is extremely popular in Israel, garnering high viewership and generating considerable national pride.
Furthermore, Israel has a long history with Eurovision, debuting in 1973 and winning four times: in 1978, 1979, 1998, and 2018. This established tradition further solidifies its place in the competition. The contest is seen as a unifying event within Israel, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to support their chosen entry.
However, Israel’s participation isn’t without its controversies. Political tensions in the Middle East frequently spill over into the contest, leading to protests, boycotts, and heightened security measures surrounding the Israeli entry. Despite these challenges, Israel remains a dedicated participant, viewing Eurovision as a valuable opportunity for cultural representation and international connection.
1920×1287 dlaczego izrael jest na eurowizji eskapl from www.eska.pl 
1200×675 dlaczego izrael ma znaczenie tbn polska from www.tbnpolska.tv