How Israel was rewarded — even as no one dared to talk about it — and why Europe suddenly found its moral compass

The outrage came only after the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final. Spain demanded answers about Israel’s participation. Belgium joined in. Suddenly, the voting system is under scrutiny. Countries are speaking out.

But where was this energy last year? When Joost Klein was disqualified under vague circumstances? When Israel reportedly applied political pressure behind the scenes? When artists questioned Eurovision’s so-called neutrality? Back then: silence.

Criticism is easy when it’s safe

Moroccanoil has been Eurovision’s official Presenting Partner since 2020. Booking.com has been the Official Travel Partner since 2021. Two very different roles. One focuses on styling and branding. The other on fan experience and logistics.

Moroccanoil wasn’t replaced. But the sense of shifting influence is real. Without a dominant headline sponsor, countries feel freer to speak up. Not because their values changed — but because it no longer comes with a price tag.

It’s easy to find your voice when no one’s billing you for it.

Belgium: the act aired, but silence spoke louder

In Belgium, public broadcaster VRT did air Israel’s performance in full. There was no blackout. No censorship. The act was visible on screen.

However, during or immediately around the broadcast, VRT briefly displayed a protest message calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and denouncing human rights violations. It was subtle, but clear. A rare mix of broadcasting and taking a stand.

What stood out more than the protest? The silence. The commentators said nothing. No introduction. No reaction. The song was shown, but left entirely undiscussed.

And still: 12 points

Israel received the full 12 points from the Belgian public.

How? Because televoting doesn’t require engagement. You don’t need to watch, listen, or understand — just click.

In countries with open voting systems, Israel scored well. In countries where voting required ID, like Poland or Armenia, it scored zero.

The system isn’t necessarily corrupt. But it’s incredibly vulnerable to influence from diaspora communities, organized networks, and diplomatic campaigns.

A strong performance — but that’s not what the votes reflected

To be clear: Israel’s entry was musically strong. A well-crafted song, professionally performed and produced. That wasn’t the issue.

The issue is that votes weren’t cast based solely on music. The result was driven by everything outside the arena — politics, media, identity, mobilization. It was less about performance and more about position.

This wasn’t a vote for a song. It was a vote for a side.

The crumbling illusion of neutrality

Eurovision claims to be apolitical — a celebration of music, unity, joy. But let’s be honest: politics has always been part of the game — who gets in, who gets through, who wins.

What changed this year? Not the influence — but the comfort to name it. Because it finally feels safe. Because sponsors didn’t flinch. Because taking a moral stand no longer costs you everything.

And so, 2025 became the year
we all saw the performance, but no one talked about it — except the public, who gave it 12 points.

See also: United by Music,Divided by Hypocrisy