Tel Aviv - Israel's entry for the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, by a Jewish-Arab duo, conjures a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Middle East.

The song "There must be another way" by Jewish singer Noa and Christian Arab Israeli Mira Awad received most votes in Monday night's selection of songs in Arabic, Hebrew and English.

The two women, who have collaborated for years, are to take their song to the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow in May.

Awad has been criticized by Arabs for her participation in the contest and serving as a figleaf for an occupying force. But the duo have dismissed the criticism, saying "other voices" from the conflict-torn region also had to be heard.

Noa, a descendant of Yemeni Jews, has for years been active in peace projects.

The song, which has already been posted on YouTube, speaks of a long, hard and painful journey, with "tears flowing freely" and the need to find "another way."

Israel has won Eurovision three times since 1978. (dpa)