Eurovision 2025 viewers have accused the TV broadcast of “censoring” audience boos during Israel’s semi-final performance.Singer Yuval Raphael performed her song “New Day Will Rise” during Thursday night’s (15 May) semi-final,

Israel’s Yuval Raphael advances to the grand final of the 2025 Eurovision following her performance in Thursday night’s semifinal.While those in the arena said a smattering of boos could be heard during her performance,

Israel’s Yuval Raphael is keeping a low profile at the Eurovision Song Contest. The 24-year-old singer has done few interviews or appearances during Eurovision week, as Israel’s participation in the pan-continental pop music competition draws protests for a second year.

‘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.’

A total of 37 countries are taking part in Eurovision 2025 - all but one took part in last year's contest in Malmö, Sweden. Montenegro returns to the competition this year for the first time since 2022, replacing Moldova - which withdrew because of financial and logistical challenges.

The singer's appearance in this year's contest has sparked pushback from protesters over Israel's inclusion in the contest.

As an Israeli who spent several years living in Switzerland, I resonate deeply with Yuval Raphael, our Eurovision representative for 2025. Like Yuval, who spent part of her life in Geneva, my own journey involved leaving the Hasidic community in Jerusalem to embark on my first adventure away from home to study in Lucerne,

Israel’s Eurovision representative qualifies for the final, which will take place on Saturday night in Switzerland. Boos heard at the start of her semi-final performance, but they did not affect her singing.

It’s a moment that would have been unthinkable 19 months ago, when Raphael was nearly murdered on the darkest day in Israel’s modern history.

The expectation of backlash during this year's set comes following calls to have Israel and the country’s national broadcaster KAN banned from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Israel’s Yuval Raphael ‘booed’ as UK’s Remember Monday deliver ‘perfect’ performance - Austria, France, and Australia also performed at the evening’s event