Noa Kirel

In July 2026, Kirel filmed a music video in Spain entitled 'Think You're Messi' during the World Cup. Her presence, the symbols used and the Israel-Spain context prompted comments interpreting the production as a political provocation, although the song primarily played on football rivalry and the figure of Lionel Messi.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Personally implicated

In early August 2026, Egyptian creators sent Kirel and her team a formal notice alleging that the song 'Ani Meshakeret?' reproduced protected elements of an earlier work without authorisation. The letter demanded several million shekels or a smaller settlement within a short deadline.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Following a musical collaboration with French-Haitian singer Naika, a dispute arose over the song's release and Naika's songwriting credit. Israeli media reported that her credit had been removed after she requested that the song not be released and that a threat of legal action followed.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Kirel sued TikTok Israel for more than 1.3 million shekels after publication of an influencer ranking she considered misleading and harmful to her commercial reputation. A few months later, the parties reached an agreement and announced a new collaboration, with the action withdrawn.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Protagonist is the complainant

After Eurovision 2023, Noa Kirel explained that receiving 12 points from Poland held special significance because of her family history, as relatives had been murdered during the Holocaust. Polish officials criticised the wording, arguing that it could imply collective Polish responsibility.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Kirel released a modernised pop version of 'Hatikvah', the Israeli national anthem. The remix provoked strong criticism from people who believed that a national symbol should not be turned into a pop product.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Before her enlistment, the Israeli military created an arrangement allowing Kirel to continue a very active artistic career during her service, with more days devoted to professional activities than under the ordinary recognised-artist scheme. The arrangement prompted debate over equal treatment of famous recruits and ordinary soldiers.

Attribution

Personally implicated

A performance by Kirel accompanied by military dancers angered senior military officials and sparked debate over using soldiers as dancers in entertainment shows. The military subsequently abolished military dancer status.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Kirel appeared in uniform in a Yes+ advertisement using a version of 'Flowers in the Rifle Barrel', a song associated with an anti-war message. The broadcast prompted controversy over commercial use of the uniform and led the military to review the authorisation granted.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

While serving as a soldier, Kirel appeared in a Rosh Hashanah greeting video with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, triggering controversy over the prohibition on using military personnel in political content. A military inquiry found that permission had been improperly granted.