13.05.2026 01:10
The first semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, held in Vienna, Austria, was marked by protests during the performance of the Israeli representative. During Israeli contestant Noam Bettan's performance, slogans such as "Stop the genocide" and "Free Palestine" were raised from various points in the hall. The moments when some audience members displayed Palestinian flags and security forces intervened were captured by cameras second by second.
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest held in Vienna turned into a political arena rather than a musical feast. The "double standard" debates, which began after the EBU applied sanctions to Russia over the Russia-Ukraine war but not to Israel, erupted during the first semi-final.
"STOP GENOCIDE" SLOGANS ON LIVE BROADCAST
When Israeli representative Noam Bettan took the stage as the 10th performer at the Wiener Stadthalle, the venue shook. During the artist's performance, cries of "Stop genocide" and "Free Palestine" rose from many corners of the hall.
Some spectators drew attention to the situation in Gaza with slogans written on their clothing and Palestinian flags they displayed. Security teams' harsh intervention against the protesters and their removal from the hall were captured moment by moment by attendees' cameras. The teams dragged protesters along the floor to expel them from the venue.
BOYCOTT MARCHES IN VIENNA STREETS
The reactions were not limited to the venue. Thousands gathered around the Wiener Stadthalle where the contest was held. In the streets of Vienna, where police established broad security corridors, there was widespread anger toward the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Activists argued that Eurovision's slogan "Unite by Music" lost credibility with Israel's participation.
5 COUNTRIES WITHDREW, PRIZES RETURNED
A major rift emerged in the contest due to Israel's participation. Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands completely withdrew from the competition.
2024 champion Nemo and legendary figure Charlie McGettigan announced they would return their awards to protest Israel's participation.
Meanwhile, it was learned that the Israeli representative received an official warning from the EBU due to irregular posts made to collect votes.
IN THE FINAL DESPITE PROTESTS
In the voting held amid all these protests and chaos, Israel became one of the 10 countries advancing to the final, along with nations such as Greece, Finland, Belgium, and Sweden. However, ahead of the grand final on May 16, tensions in Vienna and security measures are expected to increase further.