Israel has announced it will change the lyrics of its Eurovision entry song to remain in the competition. 

National broadcaster KAN, which is responsible for the entry, reported Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for “necessary adjustments” that would ensure Israel’s inclusion in the song contest. 

It has asked lyricists to make a revised version of October Rain that complies with Eurovision rules “while preserving their artistic freedom”. 

“Particularly at a time when those who hate us are trying to push us out and boycott the State of Israel on every stage, Israel must have its voice heard with its head raised high and fly its flag in every global forum, particularly this year,” a statement from KAN said. 

Eurovision rules ban political content in the songs submitted and while the full song has not been broadcasted, there are concerns it is a direct reference to Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. 

One line from the original lyrics of the song is, “Someone stole the moon tonight, took my light, everything is black and white. 

"There’s no air left to breathe... They were all good children, each one of them,” the song concludes. 

Israel in Eurovision

KAN has said it will not write an entirely new song for the Eurovision Song Contest. Entrant countries have until March 11th to make their final submission. 

Israel has won Eurovision four times since it joined the contest in 1973. This year's selected representative is Eden Golan.

RTÉ has received hundreds of emails in recent months asking it to boycott the song contest due to Israel’s involvement. 

Irish entry Bambie Thug has previously said Israel should not take part in Eurovision due to its current bombardment in Gaza.  

In December, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he did not agree with calls for Ireland to boycott the competition. 

Russia was excluded from the competition in 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine after organisers said that to do otherwise would “bring the competition into disrepute”.

Main image: Eden Golan representing Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Image: ESC Beats