The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation Kan has filed an official complaint with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Sveriges Television AB (SVT) in Sweden regarding incidents at the final dress rehearal. The complaint addresses the booing of Israeli singer Eden Golan during last night's rehearsal, and an incident involving Swedish singer Erik Saade, who held a keffiyeh during the first semi-final, contrary to EBU regulations.
"After the general rehearsal last night, where there were protest calls against Israel's representative, Eden Golan, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reached out to the EBU and SVT, who produce the show. Kan has expressed its objection to the events of last night, as well as to the series of preceding incidents during the first semi-final in Sweden," Kan officials said in a statement.
Kan has urged both the EBU and SVT to take measures to prevent such incidents from recurring and demanded a fair competition for Israel in tonight's semi-final.
A Palestinian flag is displayed contrary to competition regulations
Following the rehearsal, Kan reported that Eden Golan "stood on stage proudly and delivered an excellent performance. They did not silence her, and they will not silence us."
Additionally, despite stringent security at the venue, a Palestinian flag was waved in the Malmö Arena during the general rehearsal for the second semi-final, which was attended by ticket holders and judges, and waved during Golan's performance. The event organizer acted swiftly to remove it, adhering to the EBU's policy that only flags of participating countries and the pride flag are permitted.
As of now, there has been no response from the EBU or SVT to inquiries about these incidents.
Favorites to win and Eden's place
With regards to the competition itself, official odds place the Israeli starlet, who will sing the hit song "Hurricane", as the 8th most likely to win, with just 2%.
The clear favorite is Croatia, featuring the singer-songwriter "Baby Lasagna", born Marko Purišić.
He has both written and composed "Rim Tim Tagi Dim", which, according to the official odds, has a staggering 42% chance to clinch the competition.