Israel's Eurovision entry 'shocked' by protests during semi-final show

Israel's Eurovision entry 'shocked' by protests during semi-final showJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMark Savage,Music correspondent, in ViennaandNomia IqbalEPANoam Bettan was met by a mixture of cheering and boos on Tuesday nightIsrael's contestant at the Eurovision Song Contest has said he was surprised by protests that disrupted his semi-final performance.Several audience members - including one with "Free Palestine" written across his chest - were removed from Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle on Tuesday night after chants of "stop the genocide" were heard during the song."I was aware," Israel's entry Noam Bettan told the BBC. "I heard there was booing and everything, and there was a moment of, like, a wow effect, you know? A little bit of shock."Israel's presence at Eurovision has been contentious since the start of the war in Gaza in 2023.The public broadcasters of five countries - Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia - are boycotting this year's event, making it the smallest since 2003.Irish broadcaster RTÉ said Ireland's involvement was "unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza", and Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said the Netherlands' participation was "incompatible with the public values ​​that are essential to us".Israeli broadcaster Kan has described their absences as a "cultural boycott" which "harms freedom of creation and freedom of expression".Bettan, 28, said he was hopeful the five broadcasters could return for future contests."It's bad for them," he said. "They're losing the opportunity to be in this amazing experience. So I am full of hope that next year they can sing and spread their light."ReutersDespite being accompanied by armed guards, Bettan said he had received a "warm welcome" in ViennaThe five broadcasters' criticisms have been echo...