The Jerusalem Post have reported that the host city announcement for Eurovision 2019 may come today, Thursday 6th September, with there supposedly being a two-horse-race between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for the contest.
While the EBU has not publically confirmed what day they would reveal the destination for the contest, it has been widely reported that an announcement of some sort would come this week, with Eilat ruled out of the race for not having a viable venue.
The article in the Israeli press also suggests that interior minister Arya Deri would “regretfully tolerate next year’s contest holding activity on Shabbat”. However, Deri stopped short of relenting to the EBU requirements of allowing any and all participants and visitors to Israel, regardless of political beliefs.
“The State of Israel – our doors are open, there are tons of people who come and go,” Deri told the Israeli news agency Ynet. “But regardless… if there are security reasons, or people who come to incite against the State of Israel or do things that will damage us – I will act like the most enlightened countries in the world [and not allow them in]. Have you ever tried to enter the United States? If there’s a problem, they’ll send you right back on a plane.”
Dates have not yet been officially confirmed for Eurovision 2019, but we should also get this information in the coming days.
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