Israel has threatened to withdraw from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest if organizers decide to reject its entry amid wider calls for the country’s exclusion over its military campaign in Gaza.

The European Broadcasting Union is currently reviewing the lyrics of Israel’s entry, a song called “October Rain” by Russian-Israeli singer Eden Golan, which is thought to reference the victims of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks. If the EBU decides Israel has breached its rules by submitting content deemed political, the body will allow it to submit new lyrics or a new song.

Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation earlier said it has “no intention to replace the song” if it is not approved, warning that it will pull out of the contest scheduled for May in Malmö, Sweden. Israel’s culture minister has stated that while the song reflects “the current public sentiment in Israel these days,” that doesn’t make it “a political song.”

Israel became the first non-European nation to compete in Eurovision in 1973, and has since won the competition four times.

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[–] Kusimulkku@lemm.ee 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Iraq isn't a member. Libya is but I think Libya actually joined only after fall of Gaddafi and the France thing.

Invasions are only bad when they don't conform to the Western imperialist agenda :)

Invading another member is always a bit of a no-no if you ask me.

[–] cyclohexane@lemmy.ml 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Ahh, sorry I forgot the part that humanity and ethics end at member states. I totally wouldn't expect a Euro fan to make that assertion :)

joined only after fall of Gaddafi

Wrong. 1974.

[–] Kusimulkku@lemm.ee 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Russia did invade another member state, which is a bit of a no-no

Smh. I did specifically talk about invading another member state, as you can see.

Wrong. 1974.

Ah, I just looked at this part of the article article and didn't notice this part about past members, where Libya is again. Indeed France and others did a no-no there. It's bad form to attack (not just invade) other members and should be grounds for suspension.

[–] cyclohexane@lemmy.ml 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I did specifically talk about invading another member state

Yes, I noticed from the very beginning. That is exactly the hypocrisy I was addressing. :) humanity and ethics must not stop at member states. I actually did not know Libya was a member either until you mentioned it (and googled the date).

[–] Kusimulkku@lemm.ee 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I'm not sure if it came through (I tried with calling it a "no-no") but my reply wasn't entirely serious.

[–] cyclohexane@lemmy.ml 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Sorry, I realize I misunderstood now. Non native speaker here 😅

[–] Kusimulkku@lemm.ee 1 points 8 months ago

No worries