Israel Leverages Eurovision for Soft Power Amid Boycotts

Israel has strategically engaged in the Eurovision Song Contest as a means of soft power, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions. A New York Times investigation revealed that senior Israeli diplomats contacted European broadcasting officials to address concerns over potential boycotts due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The 2025 Eurovision grand final saw Israel winning a substantial share of the Spanish popular vote, receiving 33-34% compared to Ukraine's 6.74%. This significant margin raised questions about coordinated voting campaigns and the Israeli government's influence on public support.

Four countries, including Iceland, boycotted the contest in protest of Israel's participation. The investigation underscores Israel's efforts to leverage Eurovision not just for entertainment but as a platform to bolster its international reputation amid growing diplomatic isolation and accusations of human rights violations.