Security measures have been escalated for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden, as authorities fear a potential terrorist attack targeting the event. More than 100,000 visitors are expected to gather in Malmo, Sweden, for the highly anticipated music competition.

The Israeli National Security Council (NSC) has issued a warning to its citizens, advising them against traveling to Malmo due to "well-founded concerns" of terrorist attacks. There are fears that terrorist factions may exploit planned protests against Israel's participation in the contest. Demonstrations organized over Israel's military offensive in Gaza triggered by Hamas' attack in October have intensified tensions.

Amidst increasing concerns of a possible wave of attacks, ISIS has been accused of planning 12 terror plots across Europe in the past year. The terror group may try to leverage the conflict in the Middle East to instigate violence and chaos on the continent.

Israel, however, will still participate in the Eurovision Song Contest after modifying the lyrics of their original song "October Rain," which referenced the October 7 assault. In response to the heightened threat level, the Israeli military's home front command mobile app will provide real-time notifications regarding any emergency instructions throughout the contest.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, resisted calls for Israel's exclusion. Eden Golan, the Israeli contestant, has been instructed to remain in her hotel room except when performing. Other security measures have also been implemented, with visitors from 89 countries being subjected to airport-like security checks when entering venues throughout the city.

The security director of Malmo, Per-Erik Ebbestahl, acknowledged the combination of a high threat level and a large number of people in attendance. The risk of protests escalating into violence, along with heightened terror threats and increased tensions with Russia following Sweden's Nato membership, poses significant challenges for the organizers.

In central Malmo, posters for Eurovision coexist with protest banners calling for the exclusion of Israel from the contest. Security will be tighter compared to when Sweden last hosted the event in 2016, as the police are prepared for any potential threats.

The Eurovision Song Contest will commence on May 7 with the first semi-final, followed by another semi-final two days later, and the final on May 11. The recent ISIS threat towards the four stadiums hosting the Champions League quarter-final matches last month has put Europe on high alert.

As the countdown to the Eurovision Song Contest continues, authorities and organizers remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and security of participants and visitors.