Israel could be disqualified from Eurovision

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer of Eurovision, has placed the potential disqualification of Israel from the contest on its agenda, citing that its song 'October Rain' contains political messages.

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Israel could be disqualified from Eurovision

Israel's song "October Rain," which it intends to enter into the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Sweden from May 7-11, has been placed under review by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the contest.

In a statement, the EBU announced that it has launched a review due to allegations that the lyrics of Israel's song "contain political messages," and noted that confidential discussions with the Israeli public broadcaster Kan are ongoing.

'MAY BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT A NEW SONG'

According to a report by DW Türkçe, the statement also shared the information that, "When a song is deemed unacceptable for any reason, the entrant is given the opportunity to submit a new song or new lyrics in accordance with the contest rules."

Eurovision defines itself as a non-political contest and can disqualify contestants deemed to have violated this rule.

'MILITARY CODE' ALLEGATION

The lyrics of the song with which Israel plans to participate in the contest were leaked to the press, sparking controversy over claims that they contain references to Hamas's October 7 attacks.

The Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported that the track, to be performed by singer Eden Golan, includes phrases such as "There's no air left to breathe" and "They were all good children, each one of them," pointing out that this is a clear allusion to people hiding in shelters during Hamas's October 7 attacks.

The report also alleged that the lyrics emphasize "flowers," which it claimed is a military code used for those who died in war.

An official from Israel's public broadcaster Kan confirmed to the Reuters news agency that the leaked lyrics were accurate.

ISRAEL REACTS

Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar argued in a social media post that a decision to disqualify Israel from the contest over the song would be a "scandal."

Rejecting the claim that the lyrics are political, Zohar asserted that the song "reflects the feelings of the people and the country today."

Israel, which has won the annual Eurovision contest four times, is one of the countries where the competition is popular. The contest is also considered an indicator that reflects the country's position in the international arena.

News Source: 12punto