In an attempt to revive the public interest in Israel, the competiion for 2011 is completely open to every active singer in Israel, which is a change from the last four years where the artists were chosen internally by the broadcaster.
Broadcaster IBA has made contact with various artists, through their representatives, in order for them to apply and take part in the competition.
Harel Skaat qualified for the 2010 Final in Oslo earlier this year, but despite being considered an early favourite with the bookmakers finished ultimately in 14th position with his song Milim.
Israel have registered three victories in Europe's Favourite TV Show, first of all in 1978 when Izhar Cohen & Alphabeta won with A Ba Ni Bi. A back to back double victory was secured in 1979 when Milk & Honey won on home soil in Jerusalem with Hallelujah. A wait of almost two decades then came for Israel's third and most recent victory in Birmingham in 1998 with the popular Dana International and the up tempo Diva.
Israel will take part in the Second Semi Final of the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest, on Thursday May 12th, after gaining prior approval from the European Broadcasting Union due to the fact that the Israeli Memorial Day and Independence day occur on the same date as the First Semi-Final.
