"Inconspicuous Attitude Towards Israel: Van Der Bellen Speaks Out to JJ

The Federal President refuses "to hold an artist responsible for the behaviour of a government." However, one has to distinguish between the attitude towards the State of Israel and the criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Following the furor surrounding anti-Israel statements by Song Contest winner JJ, German President Alexander Van der Bellen spoke out on Friday. "I am against holding an individual or an artist responsible for the behavior of a government," the newspaper "Krone" quoted Van der Bellen from a statement. However, one must distinguish between the "unshakeable stance toward the State of Israel" and criticism of the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.

After fiercely criticized interview passages of the song contest winner, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen also commented on the causa.

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen is now speaking in the causa about the critical statements made by ESC winner JJ. He stressed an "inconspicuous attitude towards Israel".

Federal President is at a distance from the demand of Songcontest winner JJ and highlights Austria's "incontrovertible attitude" towards Israel.