Eurovision promises glitz — and controversy over Israel

Signature flamboyance is on the menu when the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest opens next month in Basel — but looming large over the festivities is Israel's participation in the event. Switzerland's third-biggest city of Basel hosts this year's extravaganza, which is one of world's biggest annual live television events. The contest, nearly 70 years old, will bring together 37 countries, and conclude with the final on May 17. Israel has taken part since 1973, because its public broadcaster was in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). But with the widespread anger over Israel's devastating military actions in Gaza -- and taking into account Russia being booted out of the EBU in 2022 because of its invasion of Ukraine — there is controversy over Israel being allowed to perform in this year's competition. Spain's public broadcaster last week asked the European Broadcasting Union to open a "debate" on the appropriateness of Israel taking part. More than 10,000 people have also signed a petition in Finland urging the country's public broadcaster to push for Israel to be barred. The EBU, which o