The Eurovision 2026 final is being broadcast from Vienna, Austria, as Israel’s representative, Noam Batan, swept the audience away, with cheers heard from the moment he took the stage despite boos.
Batan concluded his performance of “Michelle" by thanking Europe and declaring, “Am Israel chai! (The people of Israel live on!)" During the performance, a Palestinian Authority flag was raised near members of the Israeli delegation.
Immediately after the performance, Batan went live on his Instagram account.
“I want to say thank you to everyone for your love and your support of me, it is so important to me. We need you to vote 3. Vote for Israel, vote for Michelle, I love you all," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated in Vienna against Israel’s participation in Eurovision. Following the protest, security officials barred some members of the Israeli delegation from leaving the arena complex.
Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar wished Noam Batan success, saying, “The entire people of Israel are behind you, Noam! On behalf of the citizens of Israel, we are keeping our fingers crossed for your performance tonight on the Eurovision stage before the entire world. An entire country is strengthening and encouraging you. Good luck, Noam!"
Spain’s public broadcaster aired a black screen at 9:00 p.m. local time, the start of Eurovision, with a protest message as part of Spain’s abstention from the competition: “Eurovision may be a competition, but human rights are not. There is no room for indifference. Peace and justice for Palestine."