Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012


Israel participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Israeli entry was selected through an internal selection, organised by the Israeli broadcaster IBA. Izabo represented Israel with the song "Time", which failed to qualify from the first semi-final, achieving 13th place with 33 points.

Before Eurovision

Possible withdrawal

Israel was rumoured to have withdrawn from the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, because the date of the final falls on the same day as Shavuot, an Israeli holiday on the 26th of May. On 7 August 2011, IBA confirmed its participation despite difficulties, because of Azerbaijan's open border with Iran.

Internal selection

IBA planned a new national final with a live final to be held in January or February 2012, but this plan was cancelled in January 2012 due to scheduling problems. Instead, IBA internally selected both the artist and song for the 2012 contest. A shortlist of eight artists were invited to submit songs for the contest, and an IBA committee reviewed all the submissions and selected the winning entry.
The following artists are reported to have submitted a song:
The following artists were invited by the IBA, yet did not submit a song:
On 7 February 2012, IBA announced Izabo as the Israeli entrant at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song "Time".

At Eurovision

Israel competed in the second half of the first semi-final on 22 May 2012, following Finland and preceding the San Marino. Israel received 33 points and placed 13th, thus failing to qualify for the final on 26 May.

Split results

Points awarded by Israel

Semi-final 1

Points awarded in the first semi-final:
12 points
10 points
8 points
7 points
6 points
5 points
4 points
3 points
2 points
1 point

Final

Points awarded in the final:
12 points
10 points
8 points
7 points
6 points
5 points
4 points
3 points
2 points
1 point