Israeli singer Noam Bettan has expressed gratitude to his supporters after finishing as runner-up in the Eurovision 2026 grand final, held on Saturday night at Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle. Bettan's second-place finish came despite a record political boycott of the contest by five European nations over Israel's participation, linked to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Bulgaria's entry, the upbeat track "Bangaranga," won the 70th annual competition, securing victory through the public vote after the jury had favored Bettan's song "Michelle." The result underscored the growing influence of televoting in the contest, as detailed in our analysis of how the public vote overturned the jury's favorite.
Netanyahu's Praise and Political Backdrop
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Bettan, telling him that "everyone is very, very proud of you" and that he had the "gratitude of the entire nation." Netanyahu also commended Bettan for standing "tall against those hollow verbal potshots," a reference to the criticism and protests that surrounded Israel's participation. Bettan responded by calling it a "great privilege" to represent Israel at the competition.
The buildup to Eurovision 2026 was dominated by controversy over Israel's inclusion. Five countries—Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland—withdrew from the contest in protest, marking the largest political boycott in the event's history. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had decided in December to allow Israel to remain, despite mounting pressure to bar the nation over the Gaza conflict and allegations of government influence on voting in previous editions. Israel also finished second in 2025.
In response to last year's controversies, the EBU revised its rules, banning broadcasters and contestants from engaging in promotional campaigns by third parties, including governments. This change aimed to preserve the contest's apolitical nature, though critics argue it has not gone far enough.
Protests and Security in Vienna
Bettan's performance was met with both cheers and boos from the audience. Several hundred demonstrators gathered near the venue ahead of the grand final, protesting Israel's participation. Austrian authorities kept streets around the Stadthalle open but closely monitored the demonstration as it moved through the capital. The protests were part of a broader wave of activism that also featured in our coverage of the politics, protests, and performances in Vienna.
Belgian broadcaster VRT, which did not participate this year, signaled on Saturday that it is considering withdrawing from the 2027 contest. Spokesperson Yasmine Van der Borght stated, "As things stand today, there is little chance that VRT will send an artist next year." She called for a vote on which countries can participate, adding, "We expect the EBU to make a clear statement against war and violence and in favor of respect for human rights." VRT's stance reflects growing unease among some European broadcasters about the EBU's handling of geopolitical conflicts.
The controversy has also reignited debates about the EBU's role in balancing entertainment with political neutrality. While the organization maintains that Eurovision should remain a non-political event, the boycotts and protests suggest that the contest is increasingly seen as a platform for geopolitical expression. For a deeper look at how geopolitics shaped this year's event, see our piece on how geopolitics took center stage in Vienna.
Despite the tensions, the grand final drew a large audience across Europe, with many viewers tuning in to watch the performances and the public vote. Bettan's second-place finish, while controversial, has been celebrated by his supporters as a testament to his talent and resilience. As the dust settles, the EBU faces continued pressure to address the political dimensions of the contest, with the possibility of further boycotts in future editions.
