Israel warns citizens of ‘terror threat’ if they go to Sweden to see Eurovision
Both Israelis and Jews from other countries face 'targeted threats' in Malmö, where the song contest is being held, according to Israeli security services.
The Israeli government has urged citizens and Jews from around the world to avoid travelling to Sweden for Eurovision over ‘credible’ terror threats.
Israel’s National Security Council issued a warning on Monday highlighting a rise in ‘targeted threats’ with a ‘preference for high media profile events’.
It raised its threat level for Malmö, which is hosting the song contest next week, to level 3 – the second-highest after level 4, which imposes a total travel ban.
‘Malmö is known to be an anti-Israel protest hub (the city has large populations of immigrants from Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Iran),’ the warning states.
‘These protests take place weekly and are often violent, and include calls to harm Jews and Israelis, flag burning etc.
‘On October 7 (the day of the Hamas attack on Israel), anti-Israeli groups in Malmö publicly celebrated the massacre of Israelis.
The warning also cited last month’s arrest by Swedish police of two Afghan men suspected of plotting to attack Sweden’s parliament on behalf of Islamic State.
‘These developments raise credible concerns that terrorist factions will take advantage of the demonstrations and the anti-Israel atmosphere to execute attacks on Israelis coming to Sweden for the Eurovision,’ it continued.
‘Swedish authorities have bolstered security measures in Malmö, but it is important to note that unlike the Israeli delegation to the contest, individual Israelis are not protected.’
Swedish authorities have received at least six applications for permits to hold protests against Israel’s attendance at this year’s contest.
Activists in a number of countries have called for boycotts of the Eurovision broadcast over Israel’s inclusion.
Israel’s contestant, Eden Golan, 20, has reportedly been told by security services to stay in her hotel room besides when she needs to perform.
She was previously forced by Eurovision organisers to rewrite her song ‘October Rain’ as it was considered too politically charged for referencing Hamas’ October 7 massacre.
Israel’s alert is limited to the city of Malmö and the time period covering the Eurovision contest.
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