00:02Israel's Noam Betan placed second in this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna,
00:07clouded by protests and a boycott over the country's participation.
00:11This is the second year in a row that Israel has come second,
00:14largely because of a huge vote from the public.
00:17But the European Broadcast Union, which organizes the contest,
00:21had to tighten voting rules this year
00:24after Israel allegedly mounted an intense lobbying campaign
00:27to get votes for its entry in last year's competition.
00:31Betan's performance was met with both loud cheers and boos
00:34as he performed his rock ballad Michel in Hebrew, French and English.
00:39Hundreds of protesters against Israel's inclusion had also gathered outside the arena as well as fans.
00:46Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia
00:49staged the biggest political boycott in Eurovision history over Israel's participation.
00:53Meanwhile, Belgium's broadcaster VRT said ahead of the final
00:57that it was unlikely to compete in next year's Eurovision
01:01if the EBU did not hold a direct vote on Israel's participation in the contest.
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