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Israel’s Noam Bettan takes 2nd at Eurovision, buoyed by scrutinized public vote

(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,

Netanyahu congratulates Israel’s Eurovision runner-up after contest overshadowed by boycott row

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Noam Bettan after Israel finished second in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, May 16. The lead-up to this year’s event was dominated by the row over Israel’s inclusion, with five nations — Spain, Ireland, The Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland — withdrawing in protest.

Israel’s Singer at Eurovision Has Spent Months Rehearsing With Simulated Boos

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

Discord over Israel splits Eurovision

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