Yuval Raphael is set to represent Israel tonight (Saturday) in the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final in Basel, Switzerland, performing fourth out of 26 entries.
According to current betting odds, Israel is ranked 7th overall—a strong but challenging position, especially given Raphael’s early slot in the performance order, which is traditionally viewed as less favorable for voting momentum.
Top Contenders and European Buzz
Among the evening’s front-runners are Sweden (the leading favorite), Austria, France, Finland, the Netherlands, and Estonia. These countries, alongside the five automatic qualifiers (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK), plus host country Switzerland, make up the final lineup.
Basel: A City in Celebration, With Small Protests on the Side
More than 300,000 visitors have descended upon Basel for the Eurovision festivities, with over 100,000 participating in official concerts and public viewing events. A small pro-Palestinian protest took place in the city’s central square, drawing only a few dozen demonstrators—significantly fewer than last year.
A Hug from Gal Gadot
In a heartfelt video message, Israeli actress Gal Gadot sent her encouragement to Yuval Raphael: “You’ve already won… Go on stage and enjoy every moment—you’re a shining light.” Gadot also praised the custom-designed gown worn by Raphael, which has drawn praise from fashion critics and fans alike.
