In all, 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others have been returned to Israel since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire began in early October.

Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia said they were pulling out of the contest after organizers decided to allow Israel to continue to compete, despite tensions over its conduct in Gaza.

Gaza militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab died from injuries sustained in a clan confrontation while working to distribute aid and fight Hamas in Rafah.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Friday criticised the Lebanese government's decision to send a civilian delegate to the ceasefire committee, calling it a "free concession" to Israel and a clear violation of previous government positions.

Once returned to Israel, the remains will be examined by forensics experts to determine whether they belong to either of the 2 last hostages in Gaza.

Austria, the host of next year's contest, supported Israel's continued participation, while Germany had threatened to withdraw if Israel was excluded.

Israel's cabinet has approved the 2026 state budget, the prime minister's office said on Friday, including 112 billion shekels ($35 billion) for defence, an increase from the 90 billion shekels budgeted in an earlier draft.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued executive orders Thursday designed to protect Israel and appeal to the Jewish community.