Israel’s Eurovision Entry Sees Boost in Betting Odds After Rehearsals
Israel’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest, Yuval Raphael, has seen a significant boost in her chances of winning the competition after impressing bookmakers with two stellar rehearsals. According to the latest betting odds, Raphael has jumped to fourth place, just one spot up from her previous position.
The Eurovision betting tables have a reputation for being highly accurate, correctly predicting five out of the past six winners and approximately 80% of the acts that make it to the semifinals. Raphael’s song, "New Day Will Rise," which references healing after trauma, appears to be resonating with bookmakers. The song’s message is particularly poignant given Raphael’s personal experience as a survivor of the Supernova music festival massacre, where over 360 people were killed and 40 were kidnapped by Hamas.
Raphael is currently in Basel, Switzerland, where the 2025 Eurovision competition will take place from May 13. The contest’s semifinals will be broadcast on KAN 11 on May 13 and 15, with the grand final airing on May 17 at 22:00 on KAN 11 – online, on digital platforms, and on KAN BOX. A clip from Raphael’s second rehearsal was released on Friday, showcasing her impressive vocal range and stage presence, as well as the elaborate sets, costumes, and pyrotechnics that will accompany her performance.
However, not everyone is pleased with Israel’s participation in the contest. Last week, 70 former Eurovision participants called for a ban on Israel’s participation, citing the country’s actions in Gaza. Nemo, the winner of last year’s competition, reiterated his opposition to Israel’s participation in an interview with HuffPost UK. "I personally feel like it doesn’t make sense that Israel is a part of this Eurovision. And of Eurovision, in general, right now," Nemo said. "I don’t know how much I want to get into detail, but I would say I don’t support the fact that Israel is part of Eurovision at the moment."
In response to Nemo’s comments, the singer later stated, "I support the call for Israel’s exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest. Israel’s actions are fundamentally at odds with the values that Eurovision claims to uphold – peace, unity, and respect for human rights." However, Eurovision’s director, Martin Green, has consistently argued that the contest is between public broadcasters, not governments, and that Israel’s broadcaster, KAN, has not broken any rules.
In an interview with Deadline, Green explained, "We’re not immune to what’s going on in the world, and neither should we be. But I do think there is a place, particularly in sport and entertainment, for major events that seek, momentarily, to sit to one side. There has to be a space where we can come together and just enjoy ourselves, but also, more seriously, to paint a picture of a world as it could be, rather than as it is… If we see people gathered on stage through song, perhaps it is a reminder that it is possible to get along. That may be a romantic vision, but it’s one I believe."
As reported by the Jerusalem Post, Israel has a strong track record in Eurovision, having competed in the contest since 1973 and winning four times. With Raphael’s impressive rehearsals and the country’s history of success, it’s clear that Israel has a strong chance of making a lasting impact at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The contest’s emphasis on unity and peace through music is at odds with the current tensions surrounding Israel’s participation. As the competition heats up, it remains to be seen whether Raphael’s message of hope and resilience will resonate with viewers across Europe. One thing is certain, however – Israel’s participation in Eurovision has sparked a heated debate that will continue to unfold in the days leading up to the contest.
As the Jerusalem Post reported, Eurovision’s director has defended Israel’s participation, stating that the contest is about promoting unity and peace through music.
The Jerusalem Post also reported that Nemo, last year’s winner has expressed his disapproval of Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Israel began competing in Eurovision in 1973 and has won four times.
