‘The situation with Russia is different’: Eurovision boss responds to calls for Israel to be disqualified

5 May 2024 • 8:51 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Eurovision’s deputy director general, Jean Philip de Tender, has responded to calls for Israel not to be allowed to participate in this year’s show - but insists the situation is “not the same as Russia.”

“We do understand the concerns”, he told Sky.

“The Eurovision Song Concert is a music event...it’s not a competition between nations or governments.”

He continued by adding that when the board reviewed the situation, Israel had met all obligations that would allow them to continue taking part.