Protesters Disrupt Israeli Performance at Eurovision Song Contest, 4 Ejected
During the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest, a protest occurred during the Israeli representative's performance, leading to the ejection of four people. This year's contest faces political boycotts against the backdrop of Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 14:15
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(CNA, Vienna, 13th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest stated today that four people were removed from the venue for attempting to disrupt the Israeli singer's performance during the first semi-final.
According to AFP, when 28-year-old Israeli singer Noam Bettan was performing, a protester shouted "Stop, stop the genocide" and "Free, free Palestine."
Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has led to Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia withdrawing from the world's largest live television music event.
The Eurovision Song Contest is organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the world's largest alliance of public media.
A joint statement from the Austrian host broadcaster ORF and the EBU said, "During the first semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest held at the Wiener Stadthalle, the 10,000-strong audience enthusiastically welcomed every performer."
The statement noted, "A spectator near the microphone loudly expressed their position at the beginning and during the Israeli singer's performance, and these sounds were heard on the live broadcast. This person was subsequently removed by security personnel for continuously disturbing the audience... Three other individuals were also asked to leave the venue by security for disorderly conduct."
This year's 70th Eurovision Song Contest faces the largest political boycott in its history. In addition to unease over Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, some broadcasters have expressed concerns about press freedom, as Israel has restricted their journalists' access to Gaza for reporting.
Furthermore, there have been allegations of manipulation of last year's voting mechanism to increase Israel's score.
Last September, the Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS stated there was "evidence that the Israeli government had interfered in the most recent contest."
The EBU announced adjustments to the voting system last November, with contest director Martin Green saying, "We have heard the voices and have taken action."
A total of 15 countries competed in the Eurovision semi-final, with 10 countries, including Israel, advancing to the final on the 16th. (Translator: Hsu Jui-cheng) 1150514
According to AFP, when 28-year-old Israeli singer Noam Bettan was performing, a protester shouted "Stop, stop the genocide" and "Free, free Palestine."
Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has led to Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia withdrawing from the world's largest live television music event.
The Eurovision Song Contest is organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the world's largest alliance of public media.
A joint statement from the Austrian host broadcaster ORF and the EBU said, "During the first semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest held at the Wiener Stadthalle, the 10,000-strong audience enthusiastically welcomed every performer."
The statement noted, "A spectator near the microphone loudly expressed their position at the beginning and during the Israeli singer's performance, and these sounds were heard on the live broadcast. This person was subsequently removed by security personnel for continuously disturbing the audience... Three other individuals were also asked to leave the venue by security for disorderly conduct."
This year's 70th Eurovision Song Contest faces the largest political boycott in its history. In addition to unease over Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, some broadcasters have expressed concerns about press freedom, as Israel has restricted their journalists' access to Gaza for reporting.
Furthermore, there have been allegations of manipulation of last year's voting mechanism to increase Israel's score.
Last September, the Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS stated there was "evidence that the Israeli government had interfered in the most recent contest."
The EBU announced adjustments to the voting system last November, with contest director Martin Green saying, "We have heard the voices and have taken action."
A total of 15 countries competed in the Eurovision semi-final, with 10 countries, including Israel, advancing to the final on the 16th. (Translator: Hsu Jui-cheng) 1150514