Less than a day after the anti-Israel protests and demonstrations at the opening event of the Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday night, new details are emerging about the protesters' intentions.
According to local authorities in Basel, 150 activists planned to disrupt the ceremony as a protest against Israel's participation in the competition.
2 View gallery
Yuval Raphael displaying Israeli flag as pro-Palestinian crowd protests behind her
(Photo: Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
Basel for Palestine, a local pro-Palestinian group, had called in advance for demonstrations meant to disrupt the ceremony: "Be ready to raise your flags and your signs as soon as the ceremony begins," they said. "We want to make it clear to the world that we refuse to let the Zionist apartheid state use Eurovision to spread racist propaganda and whitewash its crimes through art."
The protests themselves did not surprise Israeli officials, as the National Security Council had prepared in advance, warning Israelis to avoid crowded locations and to conceal Jewish and Israeli symbols.
In an official statement from the local police, it was reported that the event passed "without significant incidents," except for the 150 protesters who were denied access to the turquoise carpet.
Meanwhile, Shin Bet – responsible for the security of the Israeli delegation – had prepared in advance with reinforced personnel. A bodyguard accompanied the Israeli contestant, Yuval Raphael, on the carpet.
"There were additional undercover security personnel there," a source familiar with the details told Ynet. "There’s no need to increase security because Shin Bet is already present in significant numbers."
Meanwhile, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) failed to condemn an incident in which a pro-Palestinian protester made a throat-slitting gesture toward the Israeli delegation. Responding to a Ynet inquiry, the EBU said the matter should be referred to the Swiss police. An official complaint has been filed.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
The local police did not address the incident, which the Israeli delegation labeled as a "death threat." Sivan Yang, a member of the delegation who filmed the gesture, said there were moments when they feared for their lives. Israeli officials have yet to receive a response regarding the complaint.
Basel for Palestine is planning additional protests against Israel's participation in the coming days, including at the Eurovision final in downtown Basel Saturday night.
The head of the local police department said that no permits would be granted for demonstrations but that police officers would be deployed in preparation for the expected pro-Palestinian protests.
Meanwhile, the Israeli delegation is working to keep Yuval Raphael focused on her performance. Even prior to Sunday's incident, officials had decided to significantly limit her media exposure, scheduling just two interview days—Monday and Tuesday. No additional interviews are expected until after the final, aside from official statements released to the press.
The move is considered unusual, as previous Israeli contestants, including Noa Kirel and Eden Golan, gave interviews following their semifinal performances. “We’re protecting both Yuval’s voice and Yuval herself, so she can focus on the competition and perform at her best,” said sources in the delegation.