Israeli media have stated that the EBU has not accepted the lyrics of the Israeli song ‘October Rain’, considering it too political, but Israeli public television, which has presented the topic, has refused to change it. Now, some Israeli media have revealed the controversial lyrics of the ballad.

The content of the song had not yet been made public. However, the media Israel Hayom has revealed the controversial fragments of the song that could cost Israel its candidacy in the song competition. According to what the Israeli media explains about the title of the song ‘October Rain’ makes a clear reference to Hamas attack that took place on October 7.

It should be noted that the song is performed in English but has some verses in Hebrew. Specifically, there is a fragment in Hebrew that says “There is no air left to breathe / No place, no me from one day to the next” and, according to the aforementioned media, “it describes the situation of Israeli civilians during the Hamas attack.” The last phrase, in which the singer lowers her voice, points out, “each and every one of them were good children.”

Another fragment that the EBU could have questioned is the final part of the ballad in which the Israeli contestant Eden Golan sing the word “flowers”. In this context, Israelis know that it refers to the soldiers fallen in combat in the Middle East conflict since in Israel it is a symbol of Israel’s soldiers. However, Israelis argue that European viewers do not have to interpret it as a political speech.

According to the statement sent by the EBU, all stations have until the March 11 to formally present their candidacies.“If a song is deemed unacceptable for any reason, broadcasters have the opportunity to present a new song or new lyrics, in accordance with the rules of the contest,” he explains.

Faced with multiple calls from political representatives and European artistic media to the EBU to veto Israel’s participation in the war in Gaza, the entity has responded that Eurovision is an “apolitical” event, But this argument has also been criticized when remembering the rapid expulsion of Russia after its military aggression against Ukraine.