On Thursday evening, the second semi-final of the Eurovision song contest was held in Malmö. After the competition, it was clear that Israel, the Netherlands and Switzerland will advance to the final on Saturday.
The evening was not without controversy. Israel’s entry “Hurricane”, performed by Edan Golan, was met with loud boos, and during the day and evening there were extensive demonstrations against Israel’s participation in the music competition.
After Thursday’s heat, Israel has climbed the list of potential winners.
Tipped to come second
According to the site Eurovision World is Edan Golan and Israel tipped to win second place in this year’s Eurovision. Only Croatia is ahead, by a good margin.
At lunchtime on Friday, Israel had a 24 percent chance of winning according to Eurovision World. Previously, the winning chances were around two percent.
– It is a huge rise, and I think it may have to do with a leaked clip from the Italian public service company about how the Italians voted. It turned out that no less than 39 percent had voted for Israel. It is a very large number and the question is whether this continues through the rest of the competition, says Filip Stiller Borowicz
Linked to right-wing government
In social media, there has been speculation as to whether the figures from Italy have anything to do with the country’s right-wing government.
– Is it the case that this will become a political issue where those on the right will vote for Israel and those on the left will vote for Croatia? says Filip Stiller Borowicz.
Political scientist Anders Persson shares the picture that it could get rowdy with demonstrations at the arena and in town in the event of an Israeli win. But the win is not the most important thing for Israel.
– It is even more important to show that you are part of this community.
The police: “Well prepared”
The Israeli odds have not led to further police action.
– We have planned for our part in the Eurovision work for six months and feel well prepared. Results in the competition are not something that affects our planning, says Jimmy Modin, press spokesperson for the police in the South region.
Could there be a risk of unrest if Israel wins?
– It’s nothing I can speculate on, but we have good security work around the arena and a high presence out in town so that everyone feels safe and secure.
Today 12:22