Israel secured its place in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest only after an intensive, months-long diplomatic campaign that unfolded largely behind the scenes, Israeli officials said Thursday, describing a coordinated effort involving KAN executives, government advisers and the President’s Residence to prevent the country’s expulsion.
A senior EBU official, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly, told ynet the organization now faces “a major challenge,” pointing to a wave of cancellations and reputational damage.
Herzog praised the Israeli delegation for what officials described as a painstaking diplomatic effort. “Israel deserves to be represented on every stage,” he said, adding that the decision reflected “solidarity and cooperation” among those who defended Israel’s participation.
geneva_convenience in europe
How Israel avoided Eurovision ouster and the diplomatic push that changed the vote
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/rjx22d1mwgIsrael secured its place in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest only after an intensive, months-long diplomatic campaign that unfolded largely behind the scenes, Israeli officials said Thursday, describing a coordinated effort involving KAN executives, government advisers and the President’s Residence to prevent the country’s expulsion.
A senior EBU official, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly, told ynet the organization now faces “a major challenge,” pointing to a wave of cancellations and reputational damage.
Herzog praised the Israeli delegation for what officials described as a painstaking diplomatic effort. “Israel deserves to be represented on every stage,” he said, adding that the decision reflected “solidarity and cooperation” among those who defended Israel’s participation.
Long way of saying bribe