Eurovision 2025 Israel profile: New Day Will Rise by Yuval Raphael

We profile the 2025 entry from Israel, including details on the artist, song, selection process, odds, fan reaction, and the nation's Eurovision history.

Israel debuted at Eurovision in 1973 and has participated on 46 occasions.

They have won the Contest four times: In 1978 with Izhar Cohen & the Alphabeta's entry A-Ba-Ni-Bi, then the following year with Hallelujah by Milk and Honey, Diva by Dana International in 1998 and most recently with Toy in 2018 by Netta.

They have made the Top 5 in the past two editions, with Unicorn finishing 3rd for Noa Kirel in 2023 and Hurricane placing 5th last year for Eden Golan.

Israel's recent participation has been one of controversy.

In 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets in Malmö, Sweden, to protest Israel's inclusion, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) faced pressure to exclude Israel, with petitions circulating in multiple countries, including Finland and Iceland, demanding its disqualification. 

However, there were many against excluding the nation with other artists signing an open letter in support of Israel's inclusion

While people continue to express positions for and against Israel's participation, the EBU's previously stated position is that Eurovision is an apolitical event and that Israel will continue to compete.

In 2025, Israel will be represented by Yuval Raphael with New Day Will Rise.

2025 entry: Yuval Raphael - New Day Will Rise

• Yuval Raphael will compete in semi-final 2, performing in position 14.

• My Eurovision Scoreboard ranking: 22nd

• Odds to win ranking: 4th

(Rankings as of 6 April 2025)

About the artist

Yuval Raphael is a 24-year-old singer from Ra'anana, just outside Tel Aviv. She first gained national recognition in 2024 through her appearance on HaKokhav HaBa (The Next Star), a long-running Israeli talent competition.

Raphael advanced through multiple rounds of the competition, drawing attention for her vocal strength and performance consistency. Her win in the show's final secured her place as Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2025.

Outside of music, Raphael’s background also became a point of interest during the contest when she revealed she was a survivor of the 7 October 2023, attack at the Nova music festival, where she hid for hours during the assault.

She has stated she wants to share her experience in what she describes as a non-political way.

"I am a survivor of the October 7 massacre. I am not here to make political statements—I am here to open my heart.”

About the song

New Day Will Rise is a ballad performed in English, Hebrew, and French. It was written by Keren Peles, a prominent Israeli songwriter, with production by Tomer Biran. The multilingual lyrics and orchestral arrangement were designed for the Eurovision stage.

The track was internally selected following Raphael’s win at HaKokhav HaBa, and underwent several revisions before being released. The accompanying official video features a minimalistic, performance-led visual with symbolic imagery.

How Yuval Raphael was chosen for Israel

Israel once again used HaKokhav HaBa (The Next Star) as its Eurovision selection process in 2024. The format involves artists competing over a series of televised rounds, with input from both a professional jury and viewers.

Yuval Raphael progressed through the competition with high scores and consistent praise from the judging panel. In the grand final, she was voted the winner, earning the right to represent Israel at Eurovision 2025.

Israel will compete in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 on 15 May 2025 in Basel.

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