Israel’s Eurovision entry Noam Bettan ‘honoured to be the voice of our people’ on world stage

He began his music career while completing his compulsory IDF military service and first gained national attention in 2018 after coming in third in a musical reality TV competition, Aviv or Eyal.

In 2024, Bettan released the song “Pokeach Einayim”, which roughly translates to "Who opens the eyes [of the blind]". That was based on lyrics written by a fellow soldier, Yaron Oree Shay, who was killed fighting back against terrorists during the Hamas-led October 7 massacres.

“It’s entering the lion’s den,” Bettan told the Kan Gimel radio station, in reference to the strong opposition to Israel’s involvement expected in the build-up to and during the contest. “But I can say that seeing those few Israeli flags in the audience – [I will] look at that, and know that there’s a whole nation behind you, and you’re their voice. It’s truly a privilege,” he added.

The song Bettan will perform at Eurovision will be announced in March, after being chosen by Israel’s Kan public broadcaster, which organises the country’s participation.

It is expected to include lyrics in French in addition to Hebrew and English.

Reacting to his selection immediately after winning HaKokhav HaBa, Bettan said: “I’m so excited. What an incredible honour to represent the country and to be the voice of our people on such a huge stage.” 

Thanking supporters for their “love and trust” he said: “I promise to give my all at the upcoming Eurovision in Austria.”

Israel was cleared to compete in Eurovision after other broadcasters abandoned a proposed vote to bar its participation, following reforms intended to enhance the event’s “transparency and neutrality”.

The decision was made during a meeting held in December at the European Broadcasting Union’s [EBU] Geneva headquarters to consider new rules aimed at reducing disproportionate influence over voting by governments and third parties.

The annual musical extravaganza is organised by the EBU, with the host nation’s national broadcaster producing the three live television shows.

The broadcasters of Spain, Iceland, Ireland and the Netherlands have announced that their countries will boycott the event in protest of the EBU’s decision to allow Israel to participate.

Last year, Israel’s entry Yuval Raphael finished second in the contest with her song "New Day Will Rise," finishing just behind Austrian performer JJ.

The Jewish state came fifth in 2024, with Eden Golan’s song "Hurricane”, while Noa Kirel finished in third place the previous year with her entry “Unicorn”.

Israel’s involvement in the contest has proved particularly controversial after the onset of its war against Hamas in Gaza. 

Both Golan and Raphael were subject to widespread abuse, and death threats, and were forced to bring with them large security details.

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Israel has participated in Eurovision 46 times since being admitted to the competition in 1973, and has won four times, most recently in 2918, when artist Netta won over judges and audiences with her quirky entry “Toy”.