In Basel, Switzerland, theEurovision Song Contest. Parade of delegations, turquoise carpet, vintage wagons, musical bands and, of course, carnival performances of all kinds. Italy was also there, represented by Lucio Corsi, who trod the Turquoise Carpet next to 36 other artists in the race. A festive debut, at least on the surface. Because behind the theater the ideological and political fault immediately emerged that now seems inevitable in every European public event: Israel yes, Israel no.
A disturbing episode, which the Tel Aviv delegation did not take lightly, so much so that it announces formal complaints. But that’s not all, because the Pro-Pal line dilaga. In the previous days, over 70 former participants in the singing event signed a petition to ask for the exclusion of Israel, as was done with Russia in 2022. Among the signatories of the document, Nemo, winner of the 2024 edition, who declared that Israel’s actions would be “in contrast to the values of the Eurovision: peace, unity and human rights”. Fortunately, Ebu, organizing body, confirmed the presence of Israel, reiterating that the competition is “universal and apolitical”. Apolitical up to a certain point, but oh well.
Tel Aviv broke out the party. Tears, hugs and flags. Same scene in Tenafly, New Jersey, where the boy had grown up. But behind the image spread by the media, which apparently portrays him in health, there is the raw truth of his story: torture, months in a cage, handcuffed hands. Hamas did not make discounts. On the contrary. Now Idan, bypassing the standard recovery protocol foreseen by the Israeli authorities, will fly directly to Doha, where nothing is waiting for him less than Trump himself. A very high profile operation – and of enormous media impact – announced by the same Alexander family, together with the US correspondent for the hostages Adam Boehler.
And the diplomatic side comes into play here. Well informed sources speak of a precise American request to the leaders of Hamas: no show in a worldly show at the time of release. Trump will do the show, with official photo and handshake to be framed. A scene from the election campaigncomplete with a caption: “Mission accomplished, four months after the settlement”. The result is there. And weighs. They also admit it to Jerusalem: American mediation has worked. Israel returns to talk about negotiations, respite and humanitarian aid. Netanyahu himself announced the imminent departure of the negotiating team for Doha. Not surprisingly, Trump will be there too. The US correspondent Steve Witkoff has already met the Israeli premier. “Maximum support for Israel, full collaboration with the Netanyahu government,” Trump reiterated in a phone call with Bibi. But the Israeli leader, next to the ambassador Mike Huckabee, was clear: “The talks will be done, but under fire”. Translated: no slowdown for the Idf offensive in Gaza.
“Idan’s liberation is the result of our military pressure, but also of Trump’s diplomatic one,” said Netanyahu. “The goal remains: bring home all the hostages and annihilate Hamas”. For its part, the Islamist group now looks for a direct bank with Washington: “The release took place after talks with the US government. We want a lasting fire. We invite the Trump administration to continue its efforts”. Clear signal: Hamas prefers to deal with the White House that with European diplomats or UN.
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