Israel Advances to Eurovision Final as Protests Erupt Ahead of Performance

Controversy surrounds Israel's participation amidst ongoing conflict, yet Raphael's song gains popularity.

Israel has successfully secured a spot in the Eurovision grand final set for Saturday, following a turbulent afternoon marked by protests during the country’s dress rehearsal. Yuval Raphael, 24, captivated audiences with her performance of "New Day Will Rise" despite the disruption caused by six demonstrators waving oversized Palestinian flags and using whistles. The audience members were quickly removed by Swiss broadcasters SRG SSR, who organized the event within the St Jakobshalle arena.

The backdrop to this performance reveals significant turmoil. Israel's role in Eurovision has continually sparked debate, particularly with its military actions intensifying against Gaza and its blockade on humanitarian supplies. In light of this, broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have initiated discussions on Israel's involvement, while various protests unfolded in Basel where the contest is being held.

Ultimately, Yuval Raphael’s performance continued unaffected during the televised semi-final, and she celebrated her qualification for the final with heartfelt gestures, including clasping her hands and blowing a kiss to the sky. Her song remains favored to win as reflected in bookmakers' odds, despite the ongoing conflicts surrounding her country.

In the second semi-final, ten other acts managed to advance alongside Israel, including those from Armenia, Austria, Denmark, and Lithuania. The shock of the evening was the elimination of Australia, despite favorable reception prior, along with Ireland, which continues to face an uphill battle after failing to qualify for the eighth time in ten years.

Amidst all of this, the UK showcased their performance by the group Remember Monday, who presented a whimsical approach to their song "What The Hell Just Happened?" and automatically qualifies for the final due to their "Big Five" status, thanks to significant financial contributions to the contest.

With flamboyant staging typical of Eurovision, memorable performances included Finnish singer Erika Vikman’s show-stopping "Ich Komme," while Latvian band Tautumeitas offered a unique sound described as a "chant for happiness," drawing audience members into an enchanting experience. The grand final is scheduled to begin at 20:00 BST from Basel, broadcasting live across various platforms.