Noam Bettan representing Israel celebrates during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria, on May 12, 2026. Christian Bruna/Getty ImagesIsrael has ranked among the top countries by fans in Eurovision while receiving significantly lower scores from the contest’s professional jury, prompting some observers to speculate about a gap between elite and public sentiment in light of geopolitical events.Last month, Israel ranked second in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest while garnering high marks from European countries. Noam Bettan, a 28-year-old from Ra’anana born to a French family, earned the maximum of 12 points from Germany and France.
Israeli Contestants High Public Votes at Eurovision Points to Divide Between Public and Elites, Analysts Say
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