Tight security measures will be in place for the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna in May amid tensions surrounding Israel's participation. Police said no specific threat has been identified, but around 500 security personnel will be deployed at the Stadthalle arena near the city centre.

Organizers said their top priority is ensuring a safe event. Bags will be banned inside the venue, and sniffer dogs will be deployed across the city in the lead-up to and during the contest, which runs from May 12 to May 16.

Several countries have threatened to boycott the competition over Israel's role in the war in Gaza, which followed the October 7 attack by Palestinian militants. Broadcasters from five countries have already withdrawn from this year's event.

Vienna is hosting the contest after Austrian singer Johannes Pietsch won last year's competition in Basel, Switzerland.