Vienna, May 12, 2026

A demonstrator interrupted Israel’s Eurovision Song Contest semi-final performance on May 12, shouting "Stop Genocide!" during Noam Bettan’s act, an incident audible in the live broadcast.

Protest and Immediate Response

The disruption occurred at the ESC venue in Vienna, where Noam Bettan, representing Israel, was performing in the first semi-final. According to a joint statement by Austrian broadcaster ORF and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the protester was heard yelling the phrase before and during the performance.

"Demnach war auch in der Fernsehübertragung vor und während des Auftritts von Noam Bettan ein Zwischenrufer mit der Parole 'Stop Genocide!' zu hören," the statement noted. The individual continued causing disturbances despite repeated warnings, prompting security to intervene.