Israel Conducted Diplomatic Campaign to Secure Eurovision Participation

Israeli diplomats contacted officials and television broadcasters across Europe last fall and winter to discuss the country's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. The outreach addressed broadcaster efforts to ban Israel from the event and threats of boycotts linked to the war in Gaza.

Some broadcasters also raised concerns about what they described as a mass voting campaign influencing results. The diplomatic push started years earlier than previously known. It occurred even as Israel faced other international challenges, including a United Nations commission accusation of genocide that the country denied and moves by world leaders to recognize Palestinian statehood.

One broadcaster head expressed surprise that an embassy was involved in the matter.

To the Israeli government, strong performances by its singers at Eurovision offered an opportunity to improve the country's reputation and build international support. The competition reaches an audience of 166 million viewers worldwide. This year's event begins Tuesday following what the European Broadcasting Union has called the biggest crisis in its 70-year history.

Iceland and four other countries are boycotting the contest to protest Israel's participation. The nonprofit organization that runs Eurovision faces financial challenges from the situation. The diplomatic contacts were previously undisclosed. The outreach included urgent messages on the topic of the song contest, which features camp performances, glittery outfits and elaborate staging.

One broadcaster head wrote in December that he was surprised the embassy was addressing the competition.