What music are Israelis listening to in 2025? | LISTEN

In a music market known for its strong domestic scene, international artists are making significant waves across Israel in 2025. From high-powered collaborations to viral pop anthems, Israeli listeners are embracing global hits, particularly from American and Korean stars, at record-breaking rates. According to recent Spotify and Apple Music data, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Rosé (of BLACKPINK), and Billie Eilish top the list of most-streamed international artists in Israel this year. Their singles continue to dominate daily charts and shape the country’s cultural soundscape.

K-Pop’s Continued Rise

Is K-pop making another strong push in Israel? Out of eleven international songs currently on the chart, four are directly or indirectly tied to the Korean pop industry: a global music juggernaut generating billions annually. One notable new entry is “Soda Pop,” a track from Netflix’s hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, which follows a fictional girl group living double lives as demon slayers. (We’re still waiting for an anime version of Israeli girl group Hamsa.)

A Crossroads of Sound

The Israeli soundscape is a reflection of its people: a mosaic of immigrants, indigenous traditions, and global influences. In recent years, the Mizrahi revival has moved from the fringes to the forefront of Israeli pop, merging traditional Middle Eastern instrumentation with modern pop, EDM, and hip-hop.

Omer Adam, long considered the king of Israeli pop, continues to top charts with tracks like “Malkaṭ HaDor”, while new stars such as Osher Cohen and Peer Tasi bring fresh energy to the genre, appealing to younger audiences with lyrics rooted in love, heartbreak, and identity.

A 1998 Classic Makes a Comeback

In an unexpected twist, a beloved Israeli classic is enjoying a chart resurgence. For the second week in a row, “Kacha Ze (To Love You)” by Berry Sakharof, first released in 1998 and featured in his iconic album Touches and the TV series Sabbaths and Holidays, has re-entered the public consciousness. The reason behind the sudden revival is unclear, but any excuse to revisit Sakharof's timeless work is welcome.

The Mainstream: Local Pop Reigns Supreme

Despite growing global exposure, the Israeli music market remains distinctly local. Hebrew-language pop dominates radio and streaming platforms. Artists like Eden Ben Zaken, Noa Kirel, and Itay Levy are household names, regularly performing in stadiums and on national TV.

Noa Kirel, who represented Israel at Eurovision 2023 and launched an international career, continues to blur the line between local and global stardom. Her blend of polished choreography, catchy pop hooks, and trilingual lyrics reflects a new generation of Israeli performers seeking recognition beyond national borders.

Tradition, Reimagined

In Jerusalem and beyond, traditional music still plays a central role in religious, spiritual, and community life. Klezmer, piyyut (liturgical poetry), and Yemenite chants are experiencing a revival, often infused with modern arrangements or fused with electronic music.

Annual festivals like Piyyut in the Desert or Jerusalem Sacred Music Festival draw audiences seeking a connection to heritage through sound, whether it’s ancient psalms or modern jazz improvisations on biblical themes.

Global Fusion and Diaspora Sounds

The influx of immigrants from Ethiopia, the former Soviet Union, Morocco, and Argentina has left an indelible mark on the country’s music. Artists like Gili Yalo (Ethiopian-Israeli funk), Marina Maximilian (Ukrainian-Israeli jazz-pop), and Berry Sakharof (Turkish-inflected rock) create genre-defying music that bridges continents.

Whether it's through stadium-filling Mizrahi hits, queer indie ballads in Tel Aviv basements, or ancient psalms sung over techno beats, one thing is clear: Israel's music scene is not only surviving—it’s transforming, amplifying voices from all walks of life.