Israel’s Eurovision Rep Noam Bettan Angers His Fans

As he prepares to take the world stage at Eurovision 2026, Israeli representative Noam Batane is making headlines for a surprising musical confession. In a new feature on the official Eurovision Instagram account, Bettan revealed his admiration for one of Israel’s most vocal critics in the pop world: Dua Lipa.

In a personal "get to know me" post, he shared his dreams of finding the love of his life, building healthy relationships, and reaching new heights in his international music career. However, it was his answer to a question about his favorite "pump-up" track that raised eyebrows across the Israeli web.

"It Always Makes Me Dance"

When asked which song never fails to get him moving, he didn't hesitate to name Dua Lipa’s global smash hit, "Levitating." "This is a song that always makes me want to get up and dance on the floor," he said.

The choice is considered "surprising" by many fans because Dua Lipa is widely regarded as one of the most prominent pro-Palestinian voices in the entertainment industry. The pop star has frequently used her massive platform to criticize Israeli policy and share content that has made her a controversial figure among the Israeli public.

Separating Art from the Artist

Bettan's shout-out suggests a clear stance: for him, music transcends the political divide. By praising the talent of a "persona non grata" in some Israeli circles, the Eurovision hopeful is signaling that he prioritizes artistic quality over the political statements of the creator.

The post comes at a high-pressure moment for Bettan as he balances the grueling rehearsals for the international song contest with the complexities of representing Israel during a period of intense regional conflict.

For now, it seems Batane is focused on "enjoying the journey" and staying optimistic about his future on the global stage, even if his playlist includes stars who don't always reciprocate the love.