Israel reaches Eurovision final amid Gaza boycott

Israel has reached the Eurovision final in Vienna after a first semi-final marked by protests over the war in Gaza.

Some spectators objected to Israel’s participation, while five public broadcasters — from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — are boycotting this year’s contest.

The boycott has reduced the number of entries to 35, making it the smallest Eurovision since 2003. It is also expected to lower viewing figures after last year’s contest drew 166 million viewers.

Israel qualified for Saturday’s final with “Michelle”, performed by Noam Bettan. It was one of 10 acts, including Greece and Finland, to advance from the 15-song semi-final.

The dispute has turned Eurovision into one of its most politically charged editions in years.