Israel is in the Middle East yet they are entrants in the Eurovision Song Contest?

Really confused as I thought that the Eurovision was just European countries yet Israel in't in Europe but the Middle East.

Israel is in the Middle East yet they are entrants in the Eurovision Song Contest?
When the contest was first staged in the fifties not enough European countries showed an interest in it to make it viable. Half of Europe was behind the Iron Curtain and in the West the cost of broadcasting it put a lot of poorer countries off. So Israel was invited to make up the numbers and has stayed ever since.
Reply:ye their teams play in european competitions like the uefa cup and champions league. i always wondered why aswell.
Reply:because their horrible neighbours don't want them to play in their region. Besides, middle eastern music, football food and culture is crap. No wonder they would rather be part of Europe......
Reply:They are staying in the Middle East temporarily. They are Europeans
Reply:they must not love their natural neighbours very much......!


perhaps coz they re nt too friendly?
Reply:Hmmm, i see your point...... however i don't mind as i LOVE isreal!
Reply:i also always wondered why israel thinks its part of europe... yes, i live in israel...! lol
Reply:It's the countries that belong to the European broadcasting network (or something like that) that are allowed to participate. Doesn't make sense to me either, really!