Izabo
Photo: Daniel Chechik
Israeli band under heavy security in Baku
Iranian terror threat requires tight security for Izabo, which represents Israel at Eurovision
The members of Izabo,
the band picked to represent Israel
at the Eurovision Song Competition in Baku this year, have been placed under heavy Israeli and local security due to fears that they might become the target of an attack by Iranian terrorists, Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
Iran, which shares a border with Azerbaijan, is suspected of plotting at least two terror attacks on the Israeli embassy in Baku – one in 2009, and another earlier this year. Both attacks were thwarted by local authorities, but that hasn't stopped Israel from bolstering security around the mission in the Azeri capital in recent years.
Miss DJ
Amit Kotler
Hottest name on Israel's DJ scene, Winnie Pootz, spins her tracks at Baku club; 'Warm welcome was touching,' she says
Izabo has kicked preparations for the competition into high gear this week. It held its first rehearsal at the Crystal Hall Arena – a venue built especially for the event – on Monday. It held a second round of rehearsals on Thursday.
Shiri Hadar, who sings in the band, has caught the eye of the local media by bringing her five-months-old daughter on the trip. The baby has become the youngest person in the history of Eurovision to join a delegation sent to the event, which is to hold its opening ceremony this Saturday.
Members of the group have avoided making predictions over its chances of making it into the competition's final round. Eighteen countries are to take part in Europe's biggest musical contest; only ten will be chosen by judges and the audience to move on to the finals.
