Protests marked Israel’s performance during the rehearsal for Eurovision 2025’s second semi-final

Israel’s performance at the Afternoon Preview Show of the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025 was met with strong protests, including whistles and the display of a Palestinian flag as Yuval Raphael performed.

The host broadcaster, SRG SSR, has already responded to the incident with a statement: “During the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the ESC this afternoon, the performance of Israeli singer Yuval Raphael was disrupted. Six people, including a family, disrupted the rehearsal with oversized flags and whistles. Security personnel were able to quickly identify those involved and escort them out of the hall”.

The statement added: “We would like to thank all the artists, delegations, staff, fans and guests, including many children, who are making ESC 2025 a unique experience. At the same time, we would like to emphasise that the organisers are committed to a neutral, safe, inclusive and respectful environment at the ESC”.

Une spectatrice présente dans la Halle Saint-Jacques lors de la répétition publique de la deuxième demi-finale de l’#Eurovision2025 m’a transmis cette vidéo sur laquelle ont entend les sifflets et protestations pendant le passage de la chanteuse d’Israël #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/2soUY9HuGb

— Fabien Randanne (@fabrandanne) May 15, 2025