IPBC, the Israeli national broadcaster, has confirmed that Israel will participate at the forthcoming 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon.

Israel will be yet again opting for The Next Star in order to deliberate its Eurovision hopeful for Lisbon.

In 2017, Israel selected its Eurovision act via The Next Star. Imri won the show and flew to Kyiv with I feel Alive.

New broadcaster and EBU membererhip

The former Israeli national broadcaster IBA closed down last May and has been replaced by the new broadcaster IPBC. Eventhough IPBC has recently applied to become an EBU member and its current status is pending, the EBU has made an exception and allowed the broadcaster to partake in Eurovision events.

Israel in Eurovision

Israel debuted at the Eurovision in 1973 with Ilanit and has won the competition thrice (1978, 1979 and 1998). The country has successfully hosted the contest twice in Jerusalem (1979 and 1999).

Eurovision 2018

The 2018 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held on 8, 10 and 12 in Lisbon, Portugal.

The deadline for broadcasters to officially apply for Eurovision 2018 concluded on 15 September. Hereafter, countries have a grace period until 10 October to confirm their participation or withdraw their application without a penalty.

The final list of the 2018 Eurovision participating countries is expected to be released by the EBU later during the year.