Israel lobbies Europe to avert Eurovision ban over Gaza war
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 11
Israel lobbies Europe to avert Eurovision ban over Gaza war
7 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 11
Last fall and winter, senior diplomats contacted officials and broadcasters across Europe as some threatened boycotts and exclusion from the Basel-based contest.
The report says Israel treated Eurovision, watched by 166 million people, as a soft-power arena to counter reputational damage from the Gaza war and allegations it rejects.
This year's contest opens on Tuesday amid Eurovision's biggest crisis, with Iceland and four other countries boycotting over Israel's participation and the European Broadcasting Union under financial strain.
With Russia banned and Israel competing, what is the true political price for a Eurovision ticket?
Is Israel’s Eurovision charm offensive a soft power masterstroke or a public relations own goal?