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In an emotional farewell, the country’s vote presenter Ofer Shalom confirmed mounting suspicions that 2017 would be its final year in the flamboyant singing competition. After wowing the crowd in Kiev by speaking fluent Ukrainian, the judge said: “This is IBA Channel One calling from Jerusalem. For the past 44 years Israel has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest winning three times.

“But tonight is our final night. Tonight IBA will shut down our broadcasting for ever. “So on behalf IBA let me say thank you Europe for all the magical moments and beautiful years…and hopefully we shall meet again in the future.” The news comes after Benjamin Netanyahu’s government last week closed down Israel’s public broadcasting channel, IBA.

GETTY Imri Ziv sang Israel's entry this year

The Eurovision Song Contest 2017 Sun, May 14, 2017 Eurovision 2017: Lucie Jones wows but Portugal wins. Play slideshow Getty 1 of 30 The Eurovision Song Contest 2017

GETTY Imri sang 'I Feel Alive' for his performance

IBA will be replaced by a new station, known as Kan, next week. But because Kan won’t be airing the news, it will be unable to join the European Broadcasting Union - a requirement for competing in Eurovision. Israel’s entry for this year’s contest was 25-year-old Imri Ziv.

GETTY Benjamin Netanyahu last week closed down Israel's public broadcaster

Eurovision 2017 contestants Wed, April 26, 2017 Eurovision 2017: Meet the contestants in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Play slideshow Eurovision 1 of 44 Eurovision 2017: Meet the contestants