During the first semi-final of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, security removed four pro-Palestinian protesters who tried to disrupt the performance of the representative of Israel, Noam Bettan. The incident was broadcast live on the contest.
One of the spectators, who was near the microphone, began to loudly shout political slogans at the beginning of the performance of the Israeli artist. Later, he was removed by security. The moments with the shouts in the hall were cut from the official video on YouTube.
Three more people were also removed from the arena for disturbing the order. A video of the detention of one of the protesters appeared on the network - the woman was led out by the hands of security guards accompanied by police.
Austrian broadcaster ORF and the European Broadcasting Union issued a joint statement confirming the incident. Despite the chants in the hall, Bettan advanced to the grand final, performing the song Michelle in French, English and Hebrew.
"I did not let the booing bother me, I focused on the Israeli flags," he said after his speech on social networks.
As previously reported, the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 ended on May 12, the results of which determined 10 participants in the grand final.
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