Israel should have a voice at Eurovision, says president amid row over lyrics

Isaac Herzog said haters try to drive us off every stage' as lyrics to October Rain scrutinised by organisers

Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, wants to ensure the country competes in the Eurovision song contest after the event's organisers said they were examining whether the lyrics sung by the Israeli contestant were too political.

I think it's important for Israel to appear in Eurovision, and this is also a statement because there are haters who try to drive us off every stage," Herzog said on Sunday, the Times of Israel reported. Being smart is not just being right," he added.