|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
MADRID — Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE has formally urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to open a discussion regarding Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, citing widespread concern in Spain over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The contest is scheduled to be held in Basel, Switzerland in May 2025.
The request, addressed to EBU Director General Noel Curran, was sent earlier this week and reflects mounting pressure from Spanish civil society and political figures.
José Pablo López, RTVE’s Head of Content and Channels, emphasized that the broadcaster remains supportive of Eurovision as a cultural event but believes the EBU must take into account the sentiments of viewers and member broadcasters alike.
“This is not a political request, but rather a reflection of the deep unease many in Spain are feeling about Israel’s inclusion in the competition at this time,” López stated.
“It is essential that Eurovision remains a space of unity and cultural celebration. To do that, the concerns of participating countries must be acknowledged.”
Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has previously criticized the EBU for what he called a failure to properly address political issues surrounding the competition.
In particular, Urtasun condemned the handling of last year’s contest in Malmö, Sweden, where Israeli entrant Eden Golan’s performance of “Hurricane” was met with both loud applause and audible boos from the audience.
At the time, Golan and her team were subject to heightened security due to serious threats, with former Shin Bet Head Ronen Bar coordinating protective measures involving over 100 Swedish police officers.
Israel ultimately secured a fifth-place finish in 2024, buoyed by strong public support in the televoting segment. However, the controversy surrounding her participation has continued into 2025.
This year, Israel will be represented by Yuval Rafael, who won the “Rising Star 2025” competition. Her song, “New Day Will Rise”, penned by acclaimed songwriter Keren Peles and directed by Ofir Peretz, is currently ranked fourth in Eurovision betting odds. Rafael is scheduled to compete in the second semi-final on May 15.
Meanwhile, Spain’s own entry, “Esa Diva” by pop artist Melody, has already secured a spot in the final as one of the “Big Five” countries that automatically qualify. Despite this advantage, Spain’s odds remain low, with Melody ranked 28th among competitors.
Earlier this year, a left-wing political party in Spain submitted a petition to RTVE demanding that the broadcaster call for Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision, again citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Speaking to the media this week, Damiano David, lead singer of 2021 Eurovision winners Måneskin, weighed in on the debate. “It’s complicated,” he said.
“If an artist is very politically involved, that’s one thing. But if someone is just trying to perform, that’s another. I don’t think music should be influenced by politics.”
As rehearsals for the 2025 contest draw closer, many industry observers believe it is unlikely that the EBU will move to disqualify Israel. However, RTVE’s formal request ensures the issue will remain firmly on the agenda in the weeks ahead.