The EBU wrote an official letter to the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu with a list of ‘demands’ for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. In between other things, the EBU asked the Israeli PM not to interfere in the Eurovision Song Contest, and to ensure that Eurovision fans would not be banned from entering Israel based on their political opinions, religion or sexual orientation.
The 2019 Eurovision Song Contest will be held either in Jerusalem or in Tel Aviv – the final decision will be taken during next week. In the meanwhile, the EBU has sent a letter to the Israeli Prime Minister, to ensure that the Eurovision Song Contest runs without any issues.
Apart from the politics not being involved in Eurovision 2019, the EBU asked the Prime Minister to ensure that the works for the Eurovision Song Contest could be held on the Sabbath without interruption. The list of ‘demands’ also includes granting entry visas to participants and fans regardless of their political views, and unrestricted travel around Israel regardless political views, religion, or sexual orientation. They also requested complete independence of KAN (the Israeli national broadcaster) in editing the broadcast, as well as free press access and commitment to free expression for all participants and delegations.
Netanyahu is still to respond to this letter. Stay tuned for more information to come.
