Israel will compete against 14 other countries in the first semi-final

Israel will compete against 14 other countries in the first semi-final

 Joe Klamar

Israel will take part in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest on May 12 in Vienna, according to the draw on Monday, as five countries are staying away this year over Israel's participation.

The world's biggest live televised music event heads into its 70th anniversary edition mired in its biggest-ever political boycott, with just 35 countries set to part -- the fewest since entry was expanded in 2004.

Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.