In a night marked by both celebration and controversy, Israel secured its place in the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final. Singer Noam Bettan, performing “Michelle” in the first semi-final in Vienna on May 12, advanced as one of the top 10 qualifiers, finishing strongly amid a competitive field.
Bettan, 28, was selected through Israel’s HaKokhav HaBa L’Eurovizion talent show and delivered an emotional, multilingual ballad blending Hebrew, French, and English lyrics about love and letting go. His performance was drowned out at times by audible protests from some spectators shouting “stop the genocide” at the start, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding Israel’s participation.
The qualification continues Israel’s controversial recent Eurovision showings, following Yuval Raphael’s runner-up finish in 2025. Bettan will now compete in Saturday’s grand final at the Wiener Stadthalle against other semi-final qualifiers including favorites Greece, Finland, Moldova, Sweden, and Belgium.
Amid boycotts by five countries (Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland) over the Gaza conflict, the show proceeded under tight security. Bettan’s advancement will no doubt see even bigger protests on Saturday.
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