image sourced from original article at Noam Bettan has been selected to represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, following his victory at the finale of The Next Star reality competition. Bettan expressed his commitment to representing Israel, overcoming three other finalists to secure the spot. The contest will take place in Vienna, Austria, with Israel scheduled to compete in the first semifinal on May 12. The country must now choose its song, with new rules excluding last year's songwriter from the selection process.
Israel's participation this year faced uncertainty due to objections from several countries related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Ultimately, a vote by the European Broadcasting Union allowed Israel to compete, although five countries decided to withdraw from the contest.
