Noa Kirel's general return for the Eurovision semi-finals, May 8, 2023 (Photo: Yaniv Dornbusch)
Despite fears of a worsening security situation and rockets launched at Israel in response to the killing of senior Islamic Jihad figures in the Gaza Strip tonight, the preparations of the Israeli delegation for tonight's Eurovision semi-finals continue as usual. Noa Kirel and her dancers are concentrating on the live show that will take place tonight at 22:00 Israel time and will be broadcast on Kan 11. The corporation said that in case there is a need for a rolling news broadcast or a break-in, the Eurovision broadcast will be broadcast here educationally on Channel 80, as well as digitally, on the Kan website and Kan BOX.
Kan Corporation added: "The Israeli delegation to Eurovision is monitoring the security situation in Israel. Noa and the entire delegation continue to do everything possible to represent the country with honor in tonight's semi-finals."
Residents of the south are also concerned about the implications of a possible escalation in the south on Noa's chances at Eurovision. "I am sure that the operation will affect the support for Noa Kirel in the Orvision," Adir, a resident of Sderot, told Walla! Culture. "However, the operation is much more important to eliminate the murderers. The Europeans will probably vote against us, but let's hope it succeeds." Sigal from Sderot said: "If there had not been an operation, it would have finished in first place. Now her chances must have dropped."
Sarit, a resident of Sderot, added: "It will affect and see us in a negative light. I think she had a chance to win first place and now unfortunately she won't. It sucks, poor thing. The return raised her high, but apparently because of the operation she will get fewer votes."
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The delegation is currently focused on the third general rehearsal. Doron Medley (Photo: Or Danon)
In the meantime, there is no impact on the chances of winning or qualifying for the finals at the bookmakers. According to the agencies, Noa Kirel and Israel are still ranked seventh in the odds of winning, with the top two being Sweden and Finland. Looking at the chances of qualifying for the finals, Israel ranks third with 96%, similar to Sweden and Finland, after overtaking Norway.
For all those who are concerned about the chances of qualifying for the Eurovision final in a combat situation in a year in which the finalists are determined by the vote of the audience only, we should recall that Eden Elena competed in the first semi-final in 2021, in the midst of Operation Guardian of the Walls. Eden finished fifth in audience voting with 93 points.
- culture
Tags
- Noa Kirel
- Eurovision 2023
