Latest News About Israel Eurovision participation and milestones

Updated 2026-06-16 05:35

Israel has taken part in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1973. The country achieved its first victory in 1978 with the song 'A-ba-ni-bi', performed by Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta group. It has hosted the competition three times, in 1979, 1999, and 1998. Over the years, Israel has been represented by performers from a wide range of musical backgrounds, including singer-songwriters, bands, and former Idol contestants. Until 2017, participation and broadcasting duties were handled by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority (IBA), after which responsibility moved to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC).

Israel’s Eurovision history is often noted for its early success and long-running participation within the contest. Its 1978 win remains a key milestone, while repeated hosting duties reflect its role in the event’s European broadcast network. The transition from IBA to IPBC in 2017 marks a structural shift in how participation is managed and presented to audiences, supporting continued involvement in the competition.