As Israeli contestant Eden Golan gears up for the second semifinal of Eurovision, tensions are simmering elsewhere. Swedish police anticipate a massive pro-Palestinian demonstration in the coming days, possibly even on Monday night.
According to a police officer in Malmo, pro-Palestinian groups in the city have promised "at least 40,000 people" at the large protest, raising concerns of potentially significant unrest.
The officer emphasized that the Malmo police force is well-prepared for such demonstrations. They've taken with the utmost seriousness warnings of potential imminent attacks on the Eurovision venue, with security beefed up accordingly. Israeli sources suggest the possibility of reinforcement from other countries, including even Denmark.
The Israeli delegation is acutely aware of plans for major protests during Eurovision, with an anti-Israel and pro-Hamas agenda, which directly impacts Israel's representative, Eden Golan. While she could freely roam the streets in the early days, upcoming days will likely confine her to the hotel, shielded discreetly, only leaving for rehearsals at the Malmo Arena. The security detail, led by the Shin Bet, will further restrict the movement of the delegation.
Officially, the Israeli delegation has declined to comment on the situation, urging reporters not to post photos of Golan on social media from her current locations. Instead, they request waiting until she reaches the next destination, fearing attention that could attract malicious actors to the Israeli delegation's area.