Eurovision winner Dana International spoke out Thursday against the withdrawal of four European countries from the song contest over Israel’s continued participation, but in a Hebrew language message, blamed the government for harming Israel’s global reputation.

In two Instagram posts — one in Hebrew, the other in English — the pop star expressed shock at the decision of Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands to quit Eurovision, after European Broadcasting Union members voted against holding a referendum on Israel’s participation, angering critics.

“Explain to me how and why you have turned against us and announced your withdrawal?” she wrote in English, addressing the four non-participating countries. “You no longer want us singing with you? Do you understand how violent and insulting that decision is? How much it adds only hatred and harm?”

She stressed Israel’s open and liberal qualities, hailing it as the most liberal country in the Middle East. She added that many Israelis want to oust the current hardline right-wing government. “You don’t punish an entire country because you disagree politically with its government,” she said.

She lent some credence to critics of the two-year war against Hamas in Gaza, but said that Israel........

© The Times of Israel