Current sectionIsrael NewsHaaretz TodayHaaretz Today Despite repeated claims to the contrary, cultural mega-events like Eurovision are repeatedly drawn into politics, as seen in Israel's reported efforts to boost its contestants amid anti-Israel sentimentShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeVera WeidenbachMay 17, 2026Updated:May 06, 2026"Israel has taken the lead!" the hosts announced after a huge audience vote of 220 points catapulted Israeli singer Noam Bettan to the top of the scoreboard in the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday. Loading...Click the alert icon to follow topics:Haaretz Today NewsletterCommentsLoading...In the NewsIn the News: Israel-Iran Live UpdatesHamasIsrael ElectionsLebanonNoam BettanSettler ViolenceHaQuizHaaretz PodcastAt Eurovision and Venice Biennale, War Is a Participant No One Can ExcludeIDF Says Combat Soldier Dropouts Surging, Most Due to Mental Health IssuesWho on Earth Feels Threatened by a Nun?Eurovision and War Crimes: Why Netanyahu Will Welcome More ICC Arrest WarrantsShin Bet Head Files Contempt Motion After Ex-chiefs Hide Dissenting Worker NamesRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIHundreds Protest at New York Times HQ Over Column Alleging Abuse by IsraelisStarlink Users, Beware – Israeli Tech Can Reveal Your IdentityIt Wasn't Just Revenge That Israel Was After in GazaWelcome to the Most Shameful Day in the Jewish CalendarIsraeli Teens Storm Muslim Quarter in Old City, Haaretz Reporter AttackedIsrael Attacks New York Times for Report on Sexual Violence by Israeli Forces