Israeli entrant to the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest, Lior Narkis, responded in Israeli newspaper Ma'ariv concerning the allegations which were made last weekend regarding his selection procedure.

Last weekend Israeli paper, Yediot Ahronot, published a research article about the procedure by which Narkis was selected for Eurovision, claiming it was all in pretence and that Narkis is linked with criminal figures.

“I have no intention of referring to these allegations. It is not easy reading things like that, but I decided to go on and give my best, that's the only thing to do. I can only say that I now get more support from the crowd than ever”, Narkis says.

Israeli broadcaster (IBA) will broadcast the pre-selection show tomorrow night, through which the final entry will be chosen out of four songs. During the show a quiz will be held (the writer of this item is one of the quiz' writers) and its winner will receive a free flight and a ticket to Eurovision final. The show will also feature an interview with Eurovision fans, a Eurovision medley and clips of past contests. Esctoday.com will have its Israeli editor present at the venue, who will report later on, about the show.

The IBA will also broadcast an edited programme tonight of the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest which was held in Jerusalem.