As Yuval Raphael competed in Eurovision, Prime Minister Netanyahu urged voters to support her amidst ongoing political conflicts, demonstrating how the contest has become pivotal for Israel's diplomatic standing.
Israel's Eurovision Strategy: Political Support at a High-Stakes Moment
Israel's Eurovision Strategy: Political Support at a High-Stakes Moment
Amidst escalating tensions in Gaza, Prime Minister Netanyahu encourages social media voting for Israel's Eurovision contestant, reflecting the cultural significance of the event.
In an unexpected twist during Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest last weekend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leveraged social media to promote the country's representative, Yuval Raphael. Posting to his 1.5 million Instagram followers shortly before Raphael's performance, Netanyahu urged, "Vote #04 — New Day Will Rise," and encouraged fans to "Vote 20 Times," in accordance with the contest's voting rules.
Notably, this call to action came as the Israeli military mobilized deeper into Gaza and cease-fire negotiations were underway between Israeli and Hamas representatives. The juxtaposition of a political leader diving into the glamorous world of Eurovision amid a conflict highlights the event's growing significance for Israel's cultural and diplomatic landscape.
The support for Raphael was part of an organized effort by the government and pro-Israel advocates utilizing social media, promotional emails, and YouTube ads to rally public interest in the contestant. Ultimately, Israel garnered the highest public votes during the live event in Basel, Switzerland, signaling a strong backing from fans. However, as the points from professional juries were tallied, Austria edged out in the final moments of the contest, leaving Israel's hopes for victory narrowly dashed.
