Why is Israel in Eurovision and how many times have they won the song contest? | The Sun
EVERY year Eurovision fans can't wait to watch a group of weird and wonderful acts from across Europe compete to be crowned winner.
But some of the followers of the famous song contest may wonder why Israel is allowed to take part the show.
Why is Israel in Eurovision?
While Israel may not be geographically in Europe they have certainly put up some great acts to take part in Eurovision over the years.
But viewers may wonder why they are allowed to take part, even though they are in a different continent, Asia.
They are allowed to enter Eurovision because the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) is part of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), meaning they can compete.
The country is not the only competitor from outside of Europe.
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Australia joined the line-up in 2015, Azerbaijan, which is partially in Europe, and Morocco have competed in the past, and Tunisia and Lebanon have both been considered for a place in the contest as well.
How many times has Israel won Eurovision?
As of 2023, Israel has compete 44 times, and has won Eurovision on four of those occasions – in 1978, 1979, 1998 and 2018.
Izhar Cohen and his band The Alphabeta won the song contest in 1978, with A-Ba-Ni-Bi, which became a No20 hit in the UK.
Vocal group Milk And Honey won in 1979 with their track Hallelujah.
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Hallelujah was a smash hit across Europe, reaching No1 in Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and, of course, Israel.
It was a No5 hit in the UK
The country won again with singer Dana International in 1998 in Birmingham with the song Diva.
She became the first transgender competitor on the show, and peaked at number 11 in the UK charts.
In 2018 the country was represented by singer Netta Barzila in Lisbon, who won with Toy.
When did Israel join Eurovision?
Israel has taken part in the Eurovision Song Contest every year since 1973.
They have also hosted the contest in Jerusalem twice in 1979 and 1999, and for the third time in Tel Aviv in 2019.
The country has only failed to qualify six times.
Who is representing Israel in Eurovision 2023?
Israel will be represented in 2023 by singer-songwriter Noa Kirel, who'll be performing her single Unicorn.
Reacting to the news that she had made it through to the final, she said in a statement from the Kan public broadcaster: "There is no excitement quite like this! I felt like every one of you was with me.
"I promise to do everything — and I mean everything — to keep making the people of Israel happy in the grand final.
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"The electricity in the crowd provided us with so much energy to do the maximum to represent the country with pride.
"We gave it our all and the feeling was incredible. Thank you to everyone, I feel like you’re with me."
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