BASEL, SWITZERLAND – Israel has successfully qualified for the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, their advancement marked by a tense atmosphere both inside and outside the arena. Hours before the live semi-final performance on Thursday evening, a group of pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to disrupt the country’s dress rehearsal, underscoring the intense scrutiny surrounding Israel’s participation in this year’s competition.
During the afternoon preview show, as Israeli representative Yuval Raphael, 24, performed her entry “New Day Will Rise,” six individuals within the audience unfurled “oversized” Palestinian flags and blew whistles in an attempt to obstruct her act. Security personnel swiftly intervened, ejecting the protesters from the St Jakobshalle arena, according to the Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, the event’s organizer.
While Eurovision rules permit flags from participating nations and beyond, size restrictions are in place. The incident, though disruptive, did not halt Raphael’s performance, and her appearance in the televised semi-final proceeded without further interruptions.
Israel’s presence at Eurovision 2025 has been a significant source of controversy, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the intense international focus on the region. Calls for Israel’s exclusion from the event have echoed from various corners, drawing parallels to Russia’s suspension following its invasion of Ukraine. Critics argue that Israel’s participation normalizes the actions of its government, a claim vehemently denied by Israeli officials and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which maintains that Eurovision is a non-political event.
Despite the charged atmosphere and the earlier disruption, Yuval Raphael delivered a confident performance of “New Day Will Rise” during the live semi-final. Her qualification for Saturday’s grand final was met with a mix of applause and muted reactions within the arena, according to attendees. Online commentary surrounding her performance and Israel’s qualification has been sharply divided, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions.
Speaking to the BBC earlier in the week, Raphael revealed that her team had incorporated crowd noise, including booing, into her rehearsals to prepare her for potential distractions during her performances. Following the announcement of her qualification, Raphael offered a composed smile and a brief gesture of thanks to the audience.
The incident during the rehearsal is not the first instance of protest surrounding Israel’s participation. Earlier in the week, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near the Eurovision venue in Basel, calling for a boycott of Israel’s entry. The Israeli government had also issued warnings to its citizens traveling to the event, citing concerns about potential targeting.
The successful qualification of Israel sets the stage for a potentially charged atmosphere during the grand final on Saturday. While organizers have emphasized their commitment to a neutral and inclusive environment, the undercurrent of political tension surrounding Israel’s participation is undeniable and is likely to remain a focal point as the competition progresses. The delicate balance between the celebration of music and the weight of geopolitical realities continues to define Eurovision 2025.