Investigation Reveals Israeli Government Used Eurovision as ‘Soft Power’ Tool

An investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting that the Israeli government orchestrated a “well-organised campaign” to leverage the Eurovision Song Contest as a tool for “soft power.” The report, published by the New York Times, claims that state-backed influence efforts were deployed during recent editions of the contest, sparking significant debate regarding the integrity of the voting process.

State-Backed Influence and Marketing Efforts

According to the findings, the Israeli government utilized the song contest to bolster the nation’s international reputation and garner support. The investigation highlights that promotional efforts date back to 2018, with at least $1 million (£730,000) reportedly spent on marketing initiatives. A portion of this funding was allegedly sourced from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hasbara office, which is tasked with managing the nation’s public image. Notably, in 2024, approximately $800,000 (£587,110) was reportedly allocated specifically for “vote promotion.”

While Eurovision regulations strictly prohibit government interference in voting, Eurovision director Martin Green has previously stated that while Israel’s promotional activities were excessive, they did not directly influence the final results, such as the country’s second-place finishes in 2024 and 2025. The New York Times further noted that there is no evidence of covert methods, such as the use of bots, to manipulate the overall outcome.

Calls for Transparency and Regulatory Changes

The controversy surrounding these campaigns has led to increased scrutiny from international broadcasters. Following the 2025 contest, several countries demanded access to voting data, and some called for an external investigation. Although the governing body promised a review, a comprehensive vote analysis was never provided. This pressure culminated in a meeting in London, where nations, including Spain, advocated for a formal debate on Israel’s participation and a restructuring of the voting system.

In response to these concerns, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) implemented rule changes for the 2026 competition, reducing the maximum number of votes per viewer from 20 to 10. Despite these adjustments, reports indicate that teams associated with Israel’s 2026 entrant, Noam Bettan, have already begun social media campaigns encouraging fans to utilize the maximum allowed votes.

Industry Backlash and Boycott Efforts

The ongoing participation of Israel has faced significant opposition from the cultural sector. A collective known as No Music For Genocide issued an open letter, signed by over 1,100 artists and cultural workers, calling for a boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel is excluded. The list of signatories includes prominent figures such as Brian Wilson, Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters, and Massive Attack, among many others.

As the 2026 competition commences, the EBU maintains that its primary focus remains on adhering to established rules to ensure the contest continues to serve as a platform for international connection, despite the complex geopolitical tensions surrounding the event.