However, several musicians from various countries have urged for Israel’s suspension from the competition.

In December, Iceland’s Association of Composers and Lyricists published a statement saying Israel’s military action in Gaza made its participation incompatible with an event marked by “joy and optimism”.

A petition demanding Israel’s expulsion has amassed about 10,000 signatures, equivalent to nearly 3% of the country’s population. The petition argues that if Israel is permitted to participate, Iceland should withdraw from the competition.

In Finland, over 1,400 music industry professionals have signed a petition accusing their national broadcaster YLE of double standards since according to them, the broadcaster was quick to advocate for a ban on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and therefore should apply the same principle to Israel.

“We expect the same active defending of values from YLE now as well,” they said.

Thus far, Eurovision organizers have rebuffed appeals for Israel’s exclusion, asserting that the circumstances in Ukraine and Gaza are distinct.

In fact, the Eurovision Song Contest’s official social media platforms announced the Eden Golan will be representing Israel in the contest’s 2024 edition.

“Comparisons between wars and conflicts are complex and difficult and, as a nonpolitical media organization, not ours to make,” the director general of the European Broadcasting Union Noel Curran, told the New York Times.

“We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East,” he said. That being said, Curran insisted that Eurovision is “not a contest between governments”.

Eden Golan won the majority of votes in Israeli televised selection process ‘HaKokhav HaBa’ (‘The Next Star’), and has admitted “this year, more than ever, I am excited to represent my country on the biggest stage in Europe.”

However, the Israeli contest was overshadowed by the ongoing conflict, having initially been scheduled to take place in October and having to be postponed following the Hamas attack.

Tragically, three contestants who auditioned for the show were among the concertgoers killed at the Supernova Music Festival by gunmen.

Additionally, contestant Shaul Greenglick, aged 26, withdrew from the contest in December due to military reservist duty and was subsequently killed in Gaza on 26th December. His family paid tribute by performing a song in his honour during the show’s final.

Despite calls for Israel’s exclusion, the country currently holds the fifth position in bookmakers’ odds to win, with some anticipating increased support.

Do you think Israel should be allowed to participate at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?