Israel's candidate in this year's edition of the Eurovision Song Contest Michael Ben David could find himself watching the event from home due to a strike at the Foreign Ministry.
According to a tweet posted by public broadcaster Kan on Tuesday, the ministry could not guarantee at this time it will be able to provide the delegation with the required security detail due to the labor action.
“At this time, due to the Foreign Ministry strike affecting security protocols, the Israeli delegation will not be attending the Eurovision in Turin,” the tweet read.
However, Zevik Dror, the head of the public relations firm representing Ben David said he hoped that the Foreign Ministry and the Shin Bet "will be able to resolve the security issues and that the Israeli delegation will be able to travel."
Michael Ben David was crowned the winner of this year's X-Factor contest in Israel, after a close call against his runner-up. A few weeks after his victory, Ben David considered withdrawing from the competition due to professional disagreements but ultimately decided to keep his spot in the prestigious singing contest.
(Michael Ben David - I.M - Israel 🇮🇱 - Official Music Video - Eurovision 2022)
The up and becoming artist has since released a music video for the song he intends on performing at the competition in Turin on May 10.
"Michael works hard and spends most of his time rehearsing for the Eurovision Song Contest to give the best show and to represent the State of Israel with dignity on the biggest stage in the world, the stage of the Eurovision," said Dror.