THE Israeli secret service has flown to Sweden to bolster up a huge Eurovision security operation as packed protests and chilling ISIS threats plague the competition.
Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators have flooded the streets of Malmo over Israel competing in the event with some of the furious mob even being caught with weapons on them by cops.
RexHuge protests and terror threats around Eurovision have caused a major security operation in Sweden[/caption]
EPAPolice have been set up around the city of Malmo with snipers on roofs since Thursday’s rehearsals and semi-finals[/caption]
Security are on high alert at the huge venue in Malmo after nine protesters were warned about their behaviour with one arrested for having a knife
EPAA man was seen cleaning out his eyes at protests on Thursday after claiming police used pepper spray on the crowds[/caption]
AFPPro-Palestinian protesters have slammed Eurovision for allowing Israel to compete despite the current war in Gaza[/caption]
Israelis were already warned at the start of May to avoid attending the event amid fears of terror groups “exploiting protests” to cause carnage.
Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) urged citizens to avoid travelling to host city, citing “well-founded concerns” of terrorist attacks.
Security teams have been deployed across the busy city this week with officers stationed on roofs with sniper rifles as others patrol Malmo on foot.
The police are thought to be constructing a protective ring around the makeshift Eurovision village as they look to keep everyone safe.
Cops are using boats and military grade trucks as surveillance drones are believed to be surrounding the city to give police an aerial view of any trouble.
The mob-style takeover of Malmo has dramatically ramped up since Thursday when Israel’s contestant Eden Golan first took to the Eurovision stage.
Police estimate that 10,000 people demonstrated Eden’s inclusion in the competition prior to her chaotic semi-final rehearsals.
Smoke canisters in the colours of the Palestinian flag were set off as others gathered on Malmo’s central square Stortorget waving Palestinian flags and shouting “boycott Israel”.
Police can be seen battling with protesters in pictures from the protests as some were left holding their faces after claiming they were pepper sprayed.
Nine people were warned about “disturbing the public order” with one man being arrested for allegedly carrying a knife, say cops.
More demonstrations are expected on Saturday when the 2024 final gets underway as extra security has been added – including Israel’s secret service Shin Bet.
Swedish police are fearful that the 100,000 Eurovision fans rocking up to the Malmo Arena for the grand final won’t be coming alone.
They estimate tens of thousands of demonstrators will also be present making policing the event tricky with a bridge feared to be one of main entrance routes for the demonstrators.
Malmo is already at a level four terror alert meaning a terror attack is highly likely.
Shin Bet sent over a delegation of officials to help coordinate security arrangements for the weekend amid growing concerns.
The security agency has been stationed in the city all week as they continue to support Eden.
The 20-year-old singer has been advised to spend her time in Sweden locked up in her room due to scary protests.
Shin Bet claimed they had received worrying death threats aimed towards Eden and that her safety was a top priority.
EDEN’S EUROVISION JOURNEY
Israel’s 2024 entry into the iconic contest has expertly navigated the troubling scenes out in Sweden as she continues to be hounded by angry mobs of protesters.
Despite all the worrying, Eden left the Malmo Arena with a beaming smile on her face after making it through to the finals.
She could be seen wildly celebrating her semi-final victory in lovely pictures with the young star now tipped to potentially win it all this weekend.
Eden’s powerful semi-final performance saw her belt out her controversial song Hurricane in front of a packed audience in Malmo despite the issues around the singer.
She was cheered on during the show in wake of carnage in her rehearsals where she was savagely booed by anti-Israel protesters.
RexArmed police have been deployed across the city to keep an eye on any threatening situations[/caption]
EPAPeople turned their backs as Eden performed at the semi-finals and wore blindfolds[/caption]
RexCops are even patrolling around by boats after reports said a terror attack could happen due to the mass disruption[/caption]
SplashThe Israeli singer was savagely booed by anti-Israel protesters during her rehearsals and at points in her semi-final performance[/caption]
APArmoured police trucks have been seen in Malmo in case an incident breaks out[/caption]
Eden cheered and thanked her fans as she left the stage to rapturous applause as Israel was named as the fifth country on the night to make Saturday’s grand final.
The singer is now set to enter the fiercely contested battle for Europe’s most beloved act as one of the favourites to win.
Bookmakers have Eden as the second most likely victor just behind Croatia.
Several of the betting sites, including PaddyPower and SkyBet, have the two countries far ahead of the rest of the chasing pack making it a two horse race.
Israel has a good history at Eurovision as they have won it four times.
After finding out she had done enough to qualify for Saturday’s final, Eden could be seen screaming and celebrating the win.
Pictures show the young singer surrounded by Israel flags and her pals pumping the air with a beaming grin on her face.
Eden looked ecstatic as she jumped up for joy as the relief poured out after what had been an incredibly tough day for the 20-year-old.
Eurovision crowds were less friendly to the Israeli singer during Thursday’s song rehearsals as thousands booed and jeered her from the crowd.
Her voice was drowned out by the cries of “Free Palestine” at some parts.
Protesters even turned their back as Eden performed with some even wearing masks and covering their ears.
Some of the crowd tried their best to help her through the stellar performance however with many applauding her.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Eden for her incredible singing at the semi-final despite “contending with an ugly wave of anti-Semitism.”
Eden has already been made to change her chosen song due to its original links to the war in Gaza.
Her original song was titled “October Rain” before producers declared the direct reference to the October 7 massacre caused by Hamas thugs wasn’t acceptable.
She has since changed it to “Hurricane”.
Amongst the anger and threats she has faced online, Eden says she hopes her performance will help to unite people.
“It’s a super important moment for us, especially this year,” she said earlier this week.
“I feel honoured to have the opportunity to be the voice of my country.”
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the event, has dismissed calls for Israel to be excluded.
The competition bills itself as a non-political event and can disqualify countries who break that neutrality rules.
Many have labelled the decision a ridiculous one especially since Russia are not allowed to compete due to their invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Why Israel can compete at Eurovision but Russia can’t…
ISRAEL was allowed to compete in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest but Russia has been excluded since its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the event, has defended its ruling that Israel is allowed to compete despite its war in Gaza.
It claimed that it would be a “political move” to bar Israel from competing.
Defending the inclusion of Israel, the EBU’s director general Noel Curran said, “The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political music event and a competition between public service broadcasters who are members of the EBU.
“It is not a contest between governments.”
On February 25 2022, the EBU excluded Russia from participating before it was due to perform in the semi-final.
At the time, it said Russia’s inclusion could bring the competition into disrepute “in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine”.
Citing the 2022 exclusion of Russia this week, Curran said, “The Russian broadcasters themselves were suspended from the EBU due to their persistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service values.”
Israel has won Eurovision five times in the past 50 years it has taken part in the singing competition.
RexThousands of anti-Israeli protesters have marched through Malmo holding up signs and chanting as they campaign against Israel’s inclusion in the contest[/caption]
AFPTens of thousands of demonstrators are expected to take to the streets ahead of Saturdays grand final[/caption]
ReutersDespite the controversy surrounding her inclusion Eden has managed to become one of the favourites for the competition[/caption]
EPAEden was ecstatic after finding out she had qualified for the final[/caption]
RexEden left the arena on Thursday with a huge smile on her face despite the ongoing threats[/caption]