Israel to change lyrics of Eurovision entry after its president weighs in

Israel has agreed to change the lyrics of its potential entry for the Eurovision Song Contest after organisers took issue with apparent references to the war in Gaza. 

National broadcaster Kan is responsible for choosing the country's submission for the competition, which takes place in Sweden's Malmo from 7 to 11 May.

The leading Israeli submission is October Rain, a ballad by solo artist Eden Golan. 

The original lyrics to the song, according to Kan, including lines such as "There’s no air left to breathe" and "They were all good children, each one of them."

The lyrics are apparent references to the surprise attack by Palestinian fighters on southern Israel on 7 October. 

Kan had initially said it would not change the lyrics, but agreed to do so after a request by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. 

Read more: Israel to change lyrics of Eurovision entry after its president weighs in