The flags were waving in the sun, and one or two posters were seen with criticism of Israel's warfare in the Gaza Strip. But Israel's representative, 24-year-old Yuval Raphael, was received with applause when she was presented.
Israel's participation in the European Championship has been criticized, but the EBU has appealed to all members to ensure that the competition becomes a "universal event promoting contacts, diversity, and inclusion through music".
The Israeli Security Council warned last week that competitions like ESC pose a special risk of attack or violent protests and also issued special travel recommendations.
Israel's participation in the European Championship has been debated since the war in Gaza began and last year's competition in Malmö was marked by protests against the country's participation.
