Eurovision 2025 viewers have accused the TV broadcast of “censoring” audience boos during Israel’s semi-final performance.Singer Yuval Raphael performed her song “New Day Will Rise” during Thursday night’s (15 May) semi-final,

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

Israel’s Yuval Raphael is keeping a low profile at the Eurovision Song Contest. The 24-year-old singer has done few interviews or appearances during Eurovision week, as Israel’s participation in the pan-continental pop music competition draws protests for a second year.

A total of 37 countries are taking part in Eurovision 2025 - all but one took part in last year's contest in Malmö, Sweden. Montenegro returns to the competition this year for the first time since 2022, replacing Moldova - which withdrew because of financial and logistical challenges.

During the ceremony, protesters waved Palestinian flags and held signs reading "No applause for genocide" and "Singing while Gaza burns," a sign of frustration that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) allowed Israel to participate in the competition.

‘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.’

Yuval Raphael is the singer representing Israel at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Israel’s participation in Eurovision is controversial due to its ongoing war on Gaza, in a conflict that Palestinian health authorities say has killed more than 52,800 people.

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.