By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest announced on Friday changes to voting rules to avoid state interference after controversy over Israel's entry this year.

The new rules by the European Broadcasting Union discourage governments and third parties from "disproportionately promoting" songs to sway voters - and say they could otherwise face sanctions.

At this year's edition, Israel's Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7, 2023, attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas, came second overall. However, some on social media raised concern about the transparency of the voting system - which was echoed by the winner, Austrian entry JJ.

Critics said state........

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