Israel 's first victory came in 1978 , when Izhar Cohen & the Alphabeta won with " A-Ba-Ni-Bi " . The 1979 contest was therefore held in Israel , the first time the contest was held outside of Europe , where Israel won again , this time represented by Milk and Honey with " Hallelujah " . The country is one of only four countries to win the contest while on home soil . The 1980 Contest , however , was not held in Israel , due to the IBA 's lack of funds to host another event , and so it was moved to the Netherlands . The date set for this contest , however , was Israeli Memorial Day , so the IBA withdrew . Israel 's third , and most recent , win to date came in 1998 , when Dana International won with " Diva "
1980 Contest
Eurovision Song Contest 1980
Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009