ESC
May 18, 2026, 1:53 p.mMay 18, 2026, 1:53 p.m
The Israeli singer Noam Bettan is happy about second place at the ESC – despite political tensions, boycotts from several countries and protests during the points award.
After his return to Israel, singer Noam Bettan expressed his delight at his second place at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. “I know how difficult it was to take part in the ESC this year and how many challenges were associated with it, but it happened – and it happened in the best possible way I could have wished for,” he told journalists on Sunday after landing at the international airport near Tel Aviv.
Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland boycotted the ESC because they condemned Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza war was triggered by a massacre by the Islamist Hamas and other terrorists in Israel on October 7, 2023.
Noam Bettan on stage in Vienna. Image: keystone
Despite fears, there were no disruptions in the hall during Bettan’s performance. However, when the points were awarded for his trilingual song “Michelle” and at the public viewing in front of Vienna’s Burgtheater, there were loud shouts in the background. The police also arrested 14 pro-Palestinian activists near the event hall for, among other things, violating the ban on masking.
Strong televoting result for Israel
Israel once again received a lot of points from the audience. Eighth place with the juries turned into second place in the overall ranking. At times even victory seemed within reach.
“If we had won, it would have blown up the ESC,” an Israeli delegation member told the news portal “ynet”. “Second place is a victory for us.” (sda/dpa)