Israel Advances to Eurovision Final Amid Controversy and Protests

Wed Dec 03 2025 10:52:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Israel's journey in the Eurovision Song Contest continues to incite debates and protests as the nation qualifies for the grand final.

In a dramatic turn of events, Israel has successfully qualified for the Eurovision 2025 grand final, despite facing significant protests during its dress rehearsal. The singer Yuval Raphael, aged 24, performed her entry "New Day Will Rise," while activists attempted to disrupt the event with whistles and oversized Palestinian flags. These demonstrators were quickly removed from the St Jakobshalle arena, ensuring that the performance proceeded without major interruption. Amid ongoing military actions in Gaza, Israel's participation has ignited discussions among broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, leading to small protests in the host city of Basel, Switzerland. While controversy surrounds Israel's involvement, Raphael remains a frontrunner in the competition, and the semi-final witnessed numerous other countries also vying for a spot in the final, revealing a mix of eclectic performances. As Eurovision fever escalates, anticipation builds for the final showdown on Saturday.

The article explores the intersection of music and political expression, highlighting how entertainment platforms like Eurovision can become battlegrounds for larger geopolitical issues while titillating audiences with vibrant performances.

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Israel's entry into Eurovision continues to be a flashpoint for controversy, rendering its journey marked with protests yet poised for a grand showcase. Amidst the backdrop of serious geopolitical tensions, the artistic competition unfolds, blending culture with calls for justice.

Amid protests, Israel’s Yuval Raphael secures Eurovision final spot, sparking ongoing debates over the nation’s contested involvement in the music event.

In a surprising night at the Eurovision 2025 semi-finals, Israel’s entry, "New Day Will Rise," led by Yuval Raphael, managed to outshine controversy and qualify for the grand finale.

Amid protests, Israel's participation continues to provoke, as various countries criticized the nation’s ongoing military actions while hosting vibrant music performances.

As tensions rise, Eurovision becomes a stage not only for musical talent but also for political activism, with various countries and artists weighing in on the issue of representation and human rights, creating a captivating yet controversial atmosphere for viewers and participants alike.