DUBAI: Israel’s public broadcaster will request changes to the lyrics of a song under consideration for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, reversing its previous stance on the issue.
Eurovision barred the song last week for breaking rules on political neutrality in song lyrics. Artist Eden Golan‘s Israel entry, “October Rain,” contains references to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Israeli broadcaster Kan, which will determine which song enters Eurovision for the country, pledged last week that it wouldn’t request any alteration of the lyrics.
But Israel’s President Isaac Herzog today called for “necessary adjustments” to ensure Israel can enter the show.
The original lyrics of the song were published on Kan's website last month in English.
They include the lines "They were all good children, every one of them" and "Who told you boys don't cry/ Hours and hours/ And flowers/ Life is not a game for the cowards."
The reference to flowers often denotes war fatalities, according to Israeli media.
Kan is also considering a song called “Dance Forever.”
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Malmo, Sweden, in May.
