Eurovision viewers divided as Israeli act Yuval Raphael sails through to final

fans were left divided as Israel made it through to the Grand Final of the singing competition following a public vote.

During tonight's (May 15) episode of the second Eurovision 2025 semi-final, some of this year's most popular contestants took to the stage to battle for a place in the Grand Final.

The top 10 countries from each will make it through, including the Big Five - the UK, Spain, Germany, France and Italy, who automatically qualify.

Host country Switzerland is also guaranteed a spot in the final thanks to singer Nemo's triumph at the 2024 contest. Among the performers competing for their spot in the final was Yuval Raphael, who proudly represented Israel in the singing competition.

The singer, 24, took to the stage and performed her song 'New Day Will Rise', with lyrics in English, French and Hebrew. Viewers who tuned in and the live studio audience saw the star perform in front of beaded curtains that surround a spiral staircase.

The singer managed to impress as she was announced as the second contestant to make it through to the final, but viewers were split over the result.

It didn't take long for fans to rush straight to social media to share their reaction as one wrote on X, formally known as Twitter: "I am fully convinced that the voting is rigged like who in their right mind would vote for Israel, there's no way that they are that popular #Eurovision2025 #eurovision."

Another said: "Is anyone surprised about Israel getting to the final? No. Don't be surprised when they get 300+ votes at the end, like last year."

A third commented: "I will not be watching #eurovision. It's a disgrace to allow #israel to compete." Meanwhile other fans were pleased to see the star make it to the next stage of the competition as one wrote: "Israel has qualified! Well done Yuval Raphael and team."

Another said: "Israel is in the final! Yeeees #eurovision." Meanwhile one added: "I'm glad that Israel has gone through."

Just hours before she stepped onto the stage, Yuval Raphael's rehearsal performance was disrupted by protesters. Six individuals brandishing large flags and whistles interrupted Raphael's performance during Thursday night's preview.

Videos on social media appeared to show a large Palestinian flag being extended in the crowd across several people, while an Israeli symbol was also seen in the audience.

Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, hosting the contest in Basel following Nemo's 2024 victory, confirmed the swift removal of the protesters from the St Jakobshalle arena.

The Eurovision 2025 Grand Finale will air on BBC One on Saturday, 17 May at 8pm.