Most contestants at the Eurovision Song Contest are seeking as much publicity as possible. Israel’s Yuval Raphael is keeping a low profile. The 24-year-old singer has done few media interviews or appearances during Eurovision week,

‘During the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the ESC this afternoon, the performance of Israeli singer Yuval Raphael was disrupted. ‘Six people, including a family, disrupted the rehearsal with oversized flags and whistles. Security personnel were able to quickly identify those involved and escort them out of the hall.’

Over 200 people protested in the host city of Basel on Wednesday (May 14), demanding an end to Israel's military offensive and the country's expulsion from Eurovision. History shows that bans aren't unprecedented. Belarus was suspended in 2021 for a politically charged song, followed by Russia's exclusion in 2022 amidst the Ukraine conflict.

Israel's participation in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest has drawn protests but its competitor Yuval Raphael -- who escaped the Hamas attack on her country -- is hotly tipped to qualify from

Protesters with Palestinian flags and banners took part in a "silent" march along one of the city's main streets to demonstrate against Israel’s participation in the pan-continental pop competition.

Amid calls for Israel’s exclusion from the competition, Remember Monday says it is ‘really difficult to comment’

Halperin praised the song as hopeful and “very, very appropriate” for such a difficult time, and shared kind words about the well-known Israeli songwriter Keren Peles.

The Nova survivor proceeds to Saturday’s grand final after a moving performance of her song ‘New Day Will Rise’

The singer's appearance in this year's contest has sparked pushback from protesters over Israel's inclusion in the contest.