Eurovision officials scrutinising Israel entry amid concern over political lyrics

The European Broadcasting Union have said that they are "scrutinising" Israel's 2024 entry to the Eurovision Song Contest.

‘October Rain’ performed by Israel 2018 Eurovision entrant Eden Golan has not been released publicly yet but is understood to have been put forward as the Israeli entry for this year’s competition.

The song is dedicated to the remaining hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 raids. Golan performed the song surrounded on stage by empty chairs

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed it is examining the content of the song and has been in contact with national broadcaster of Israel KAN, who submit the entry.

The spokesperson said: "The EBU is currently in the process of scrutinising the lyrics, a process which is confidential between the EBU and the Israeli broadcaster until a final decision has been taken. All broadcasters have until 11 March to formally submit their entries".

“If a song is deemed unacceptable for any reason, broadcasters are then given the opportunity to submit a new song or new lyrics, as per the rules of the Contest.”

Belarus was banned from the Eurovison after EBU scrutinising found their 2021 submission had a political subtext.

The country's broadcaster was given an opportunity to submit a second entry but this too was found to be too politically motivated.

Israeli Minister for Culture Miki Zohar said that the EBU's scrutiny of the track 'October Rain' was "scandalous" and said the song was a "moving song not just political".

The Minister followed up this by saying: "European Broadcasting Union to continue to act professionally and neutrally, and not to let politics affect art".

RTE has in recent months faced public pressure to withdraw from the 2024 competition in protest of Israel involvement, resulting in the broadcaster receiving hundreds of emails.

Ireland’s entry, Bambie Thug, said that they believed Israel should not be allowed to compete this year due to the state’s actions in Gaza.

The Cork artist said: "Russia was excluded. it should be the same rules for everyone".

In response to the controversy of Israel involvement in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, the EBU said that the Eurovision is “a non-political event that unites audiences worldwide through music”.