Austrian police have broken up an anti-Israeli protest attempt during the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna after a group tried to disrupt Israeli singer Noam Bettan’s performance by chanting political slogans.
Security staff intervened quickly, removing the protestors from the venue, according to reports shared on social media alongside video footage of the incident.
The disruption took place during the 2026 Eurovision edition, which is being held in Vienna amid heightened political tensions linked to the ongoing war in Gaza. Several broadcasters, including those in Spain, Ireland and Slovenia, are not broadcasting the contest this year, while countries such as the Netherlands and Iceland have withdrawn from participation.
The boycott and withdrawals have added to the controversy over Israel surrounding the event, which marks the contest’s 70th anniversary. The grand final is scheduled for Saturday, May 16th.
