Israel’s Eurovision delegation is looking at first place — and understands that this year, it may be within reach.
"If the judges give us more than 100 points, we win Eurovision," a source in the Israeli delegation said, amid the understanding that according to leaks, Israel is once again near the very top of the public vote.
2 View gallery
Noam Bettan at the jury rehearsal before the Eurovision final
(Photo: REUTERS/Lisa Leutner)
Last year, Yuval Raphael, who finished in second place, received the highest number of points from the public vote at home but had to settle for just 60 points from the juries of the various countries.
Another source in the delegation said: "We see what is happening on the ground, we see the public mood, and as of now, there really is no song that is a complete consensus among the judges. So the more the jury points are divided among more countries, the more significantly our chances will rise."
Yoav Tzafir told ynet that he, too, shares those feelings. "Thought creates reality. We are all closing our eyes and daring to dream of the trophy. It is possible."
Miki Israeli, a Eurovision fan who was in Vienna during the week, said: "There is a realistic chance of winning with the public and jury votes. I am watching in central Tel Aviv so I can run to the square if we win."
Israel is aware of the implications of a victory, and some in the delegation say the European Broadcasting Union wants to avoid a blue-and-white win. "It could break the contest," one source said. "A win could create a major mess. So we believe everything is on the table as far as the European union is concerned."
As reported, Noam Bettan finished the decisive rehearsal yesterday, Friday, which will determine the jury scores, in very strong form, receiving loud applause from the audience as very few Palestinian flags were seen opposite him.
Bettan and his team of dancers — Lihi Freud, Eden Zino, Yasmin Hachmon, Daniel Ben Avraham and Zhenya Gefenov — will take part in another rehearsal this afternoon, after which the Eurovision final will begin at 10 p.m. and be broadcast on Kan.