Fears of an attack on Israel’s Eurovision delegation in Vienna, or terror attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets, have led to the creation of a larger security operation than in previous years.
The Israeli delegation is being secured by the Shin Bet, but Ynet has learned, and can now report with the censor’s approval, that this year the operation is also being coordinated with the Mossad and, according to sources familiar with the details, with elite units in Austria’s security establishment. For security purposes, the Shin Bet will also use technologies this year that have not been used before.
The turquoise carpet event, which officially opens Eurovision week, will take place today. Israel’s representative, Noam Bettan, is expected to take the stage in the afternoon, accompanied by Austrian and Israeli security personnel.
In Israel, officials remember well the hostility the delegation encountered at last year’s equivalent event, when a protester made a throat-slitting gesture toward Yuval Raphael. Austrian police are preparing for the sensitive event and are ready for demonstrations or provocations that could arise at the venue.
As for the competition itself, Bettan, who was given a brief rest, will return to rehearsals tomorrow ahead of the first semifinal, in which he is competing on Tuesday (which will be broadcast live on Kan at 10 p.m.).
A highly significant event will take place tomorrow: the jury rehearsal, where the contestants’ scores will already be determined. The juries carry considerable weight in this year’s semifinal, accounting for 50% of the total score.