Israel have sailed through to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, with the lovestruck pop song Michelle, performed by 28-year-old Noam Bettan.
The contest's festive atmosphere has been upended in recent years by a controversy over Israel's military action in Gaza. Five countries have boycotted the 2026 event, including seven-time winners Ireland.
Bettan faced a mixed reception at Tuesday's semi-final. A few audience members booed and shouted anti-Israeli slogans, while others chanted his name in support.
Before the show, the singer told the Jerusalem Post he was determined to concentrate on the music and relegate any criticisms to "background noise".
The negative reaction to Bettan's performance was audible on the TV broadcast, after Austrian broadcaster ORF, which is hosting the show, said it would not censor protests or negative reactions to any of the contestants.
