‘No way’ – Eurovision fans in disbelief as Ireland gives 10 points to Israel

Eurovision fans have expressed their disbelief online after news of Ireland’s allocation of 10 points to Israel was revealed. 

Israel’s participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest has been marred with controversy due to the country’s military action in neighbouring Palestine. 

Protests across Europe – including outside the contest stadium in Malmo, Sweden – took place in the lead up to and during the competition, with many pro-Palestine activists calling for Israel to withdraw. 

Others urged Eurovision fans to switch off their televisions and boycott this year’s event. 

Irish social media users have been particularly vocal about the issue, leading many to express shock and outrage at Ireland’s points allocation. 

Eurovision commentator Marty Whelan first revealed the information after Switzerland’s Nemo was named the winner of the 2024 contest for their song ‘The Code’. 

He confirmed Israel received 10 points from Ireland, while Croatia received the top score of 12. 

X (formerly Twitter) users were particularly vocal about their disbelief, with one user commenting, “They have to investigate this because there is no way.” 

Another commented, “That’s definitely a fix.” 

Israel ended up taking 5th place due to a large public televote allocation of 323 points and 52 points from the judges. 

However, not everyone was shocked at the result. 

One X user commented, “Surely people aren’t surprised at this? The boycott resulted in an uncontested field for pro-Israeli supporters. I’m surprised Israel didn’t win the entire competition. Surely, with the upcoming (real) elections, people understand the consequences of not voting at all?” 

Another commented, “[This is] probably because most people who dislike Israel are not watching, people who like Israel are watching, and people who just watch for the performances considered it a decent performance.” 

Others were happy to see Israel receive 10 points from Ireland, with one commenter stating, “The silent majority has spoken.”

Another commented, “I know it’s crazy but maybe they liked the song?” 

Bambie Thug has previously been vocal about Israel’s participation in the Grand Final and also accused the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, of a rule break. 

Other contestants are believed to have also met with Eurovision higher-ups to discuss issues of a similar nature. 

Bambie said they have been waiting to hear back from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about what action would be taken regarding the alleged rule break.