Israel's entry to the Eurovision Song Contest was briefly booed when the country surged to the top of the leaderboard on Saturday night, with the Middle East country's participation under increased scrutiny during its wars in Gaza and Iran.

(JTA) — The Israeli contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest won second place for the second year in a row, drawing a strong public vote despite protests over Israel’s inclusion in the contest. Noam Bettan and his song “Michelle” ranked third in the public vote and eighth in the jury vote,

The final of the Eurovision Contest arrives Saturday, with tight security and rainy weather failing to dent the enthusiasm of fans, or the opposition of critics who think Israel shouldn't be invited.

Rehearsals for the Eurovision Song Contest usually feature elaborate choreography and intense pyrotechnics, staples at the performances of the annual song extravaganza. For Israel

The iconic musical jamboree is in crisis mode after five countries declared they would boycott the competition in protest over the war in Gaza.