Israel was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1981 with the song "Halayla" (הלילה), composed by Shuki Levy, with lyrics by Shlomit Aharon and Yuval Dor, and performed by the band Habibi.

The winning entry was "Halayla", performed by Hakol Over Habibi and composed by Shuki Levy, with lyrics written by Shlomit Aharon and Yuval Dor.

Shlomit Aharon, the band's soloist, was in about 6–7 months pregnant at the contest.

At the close of voting "Halayla" had received 56 points, placing Israel seventh of the 20 entries.

[2] IBA appointed Dan Kaner as its spokesperson to announce the result of the Israeli vote in the final.