In an unexpected moment during the Eurovision Song Contest final held in Basel, Switzerland, on May 21, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned to social media to rally support for the nation's contestant, Yuval Raphael. Just moments before Raphael took the stage, Netanyahu appealed to his 1.5 million Instagram followers, saying, "Vote #04 — New Day Will Rise" and encouraging fans to cast up to 20 votes, the maximum allowed under contest rules.
This social media push occurred during a turbulent period for Israel as its military intensified operations in Gaza, coupled with fragile cease-fire negotiations between Israeli and Hamas representatives. The juxtaposition of a government leader promoting a pop culture event amid serious military actions raised eyebrows, particularly as Israeli artists often face boycotts due to the country’s actions.
Netanyahu's campaign was part of a larger effort orchestrated by the Israeli government and pro-Israel organizations, employing social media, email blasts, and advertisements on platforms like YouTube to bolster support for its Eurovision contestant. This strategic focus on the cultural event highlights how Eurovision has become a significant platform for Israel amid ongoing global criticism.
As the voting concluded, Israel secured the highest public vote, nearly clinching victory until a late surge from Austria's contestant, who fared better with the expert juries, ultimately claimed the top spot. This nail-biting conclusion underscored not only the competitive nature of Eurovision but also the political stakes entwined with such cultural phenomena for Israel.
This social media push occurred during a turbulent period for Israel as its military intensified operations in Gaza, coupled with fragile cease-fire negotiations between Israeli and Hamas representatives. The juxtaposition of a government leader promoting a pop culture event amid serious military actions raised eyebrows, particularly as Israeli artists often face boycotts due to the country’s actions.
Netanyahu's campaign was part of a larger effort orchestrated by the Israeli government and pro-Israel organizations, employing social media, email blasts, and advertisements on platforms like YouTube to bolster support for its Eurovision contestant. This strategic focus on the cultural event highlights how Eurovision has become a significant platform for Israel amid ongoing global criticism.
As the voting concluded, Israel secured the highest public vote, nearly clinching victory until a late surge from Austria's contestant, who fared better with the expert juries, ultimately claimed the top spot. This nail-biting conclusion underscored not only the competitive nature of Eurovision but also the political stakes entwined with such cultural phenomena for Israel.
