Israel have sailed through to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, with the lovestruck pop song Michelle, performed by 28-year-old Noam Bettan.
The contest’s festive atmosphere has been upended in recent years by a controversy over Israel’s military action in Gaza. Five countries have boycotted the 2026 event, including seven-time winners Ireland.
Bettan faced a mixed reception at Tuesday’s semi-final. A few audience members booed and shouted anti-Israeli slogans, while others chanted his name in support.
Before the show, the singer told the Jerusalem Post he was determined to concentrate on the music and relegate any criticisms to “background noise”.
The negative reaction to Bettan’s performance was audible on the TV broadcast, after Austrian broadcaster ORF, which is hosting the show, said it would not censor protests or negative reactions to any of the contestants.
In a statement after the show, ORF and Eurovision organisers the EBU said one audience member had been “close to a microphone” and “loudly expressed their views” – both as Israel prepared to take the stage and during their song.
“They were later removed by security for continuing to disturb the audience,” the statement said.
“Three other people were also removed from the arena by security for disruptive behaviour.”
The semi-final, held at Vienna’s Wiener Stadhalle, saw 10 countries qualify for Saturday’s grand finale.
Among them were Finnish duo Pete Parkonnen and Linda Lampenius, whose tempestuous love song Liekinheitin (Flamethrower) is currently the favourite to win.
But there was disappointment for British star Boy George. The Culture Club singer appeared as a guest performer on San Marino’s entry, which failed to survive Tuesday’s vote.
