Israel will participate in Eurovision 2026. Public broadcasters that are part of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) accepted the change to the competition rules proposed by the organizers in a vote during the General Assembly, thus preventing a vote to exclude Tel Aviv from the singing competition. The motion was adopted with a majority of 738 votes in favour, with 264 votes against and 120 abstentions.
Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia have announced they will boycott Eurovisionafter the green light from Israel. Furthermore the final of the singing contest scheduled for May 16th, as well as the semi-finals, it will not be broadcast on public television in the four countries.
THE CASE
Eurovision 2026, the note from Rai councilors: “Italy should not participate if Israel is there”
# Eurovision 2026 in Crisis: Israel Cleared to Compete Amid Boycott Storm from Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia—Will the Song Contest Survive the Rift?
In a decision that’s ripped through the heart of Europe’s pop culture darling, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has greenlit Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, set for Vienna, Austria—only for a quartet of nations to slam the door shut in protest. The Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia announced their immediate withdrawal on December 4, 2025, citing the ongoing Gaza conflict and accusations of unfair voting practices, turning what should be a celebration of unity into a stark symbol of division. As fans mourn the potential absence of iconic entries from these powerhouses, the question looms: Can Eurovision’s “united by music” mantra weather this geopolitical gale?
The Israel Eurovision 2026 participation and Eurovision boycotts 2025 have dominated global headlines, amplifying calls for exclusion amid Israel’s war in Gaza—sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks—that has claimed over 42,000 Palestinian lives, per Gaza health authorities. At the EBU’s General Assembly in Geneva, members opted against a direct vote on Israel’s broadcaster Kan, instead approving new safeguards to curb government meddling in voting and promotions—rules triggered by allegations of Israeli campaigns boosting its 2025 entry, Yuval Raphael’s “New Day Will Rise,” which finished mid-pack amid protests. “A large majority agreed there was no need for a further vote… the contest should proceed as planned,” the EBU declared, emphasizing that “broadcasters, not governments” compete. Israel, a 1979 winner with four triumphs total, hailed it as vindication: Kan confirmed preparations, insisting full compliance.
But the backlash was swift and seismic. The Netherlands’ AVROTROS decried participation as irreconcilable with “public values,” pulling out hours after the announcement. Spain’s RTVE, a “Big Five” financial pillar alongside Germany, France, Italy, and the UK, followed suit: “Our board agreed last September to withdraw if Israel was part of it,” stated Secretary General Alfonso Morales, opting out of competing or broadcasting. Ireland’s RTÉ echoed the fury: “Unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” vowing no entry or airtime. Slovenia’s RTV Slovenia held firm: “Recent rule changes do not alter our view—equal standards for all.” Iceland, another threatened pullout, is mulling its next move, per sources.
This boycott wave—potentially the largest in Eurovision history—stems from a toxic brew: Protests marred the 2024 Malmö and 2025 Basel editions, with chants of “Free Palestine” drowning out acts and over 68 million impressions from Israeli ad campaigns flagged as interference. A November vote on exclusion was scrapped post-October 10 Gaza ceasefire, but simmering tensions boiled over. Host Austria’s ORF, buoyed by JJ’s 2025 win with “Wasted Love,” urged unity: “An opportunity to emphasize what unites us.” Germany backed Israel unequivocally: “There must be no ESC without Israel,” per Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer.
Expert takes paint a fractured picture. Eurovision scholar Dean Vuletic warns of “the biggest boycott ever,” noting EU nations’ walkouts signal a values clash: “They’re not dictatorships—they share democracy and human rights ideals with Israel.” Paul Jordan, a contest historian, laments: “A real crisis point… something apolitical becoming a political football.” On X, outrage erupts: @Art4PalestineUK shared the Guardian story, urging full solidarity: “All countries should boycott.” @nexta_tv tallied the four pullouts, dubbing it a “widening boycott.” @RT_com highlighted the double standard: “Russia banned for Ukraine, but Israel? Fine.” Pro-Israel voices, like @TimesofIsrael, framed it as “antisemitism allegations” forcing BBC training.
For Eurovision diehards—from Malmö marchers to Vienna hopefuls—this schism strikes deep. Economically, boycotts threaten viewership (180 million in 2025) and funding—Spain’s exit alone dents the Big Five pot, per Vuletic. Lifestyle hit? A diluted lineup robs fans of Ireland’s seven-time magic or Spain’s flamenco flair, while protests could shadow Vienna’s May 2026 shows. Politically, it’s a microcosm of Europe’s Gaza divide: Germany’s support contrasts Ireland’s recognition of Palestine, fueling debates on cultural boycotts versus free expression. Tech twist? EBU’s new anti-campaign rules lean on AI monitoring for fair votes, but skeptics doubt it’ll quell the storm.
As the full participant list drops pre-Christmas, Eurovision 2026 hangs in the balance—will more nations fold, or will the EBU’s safeguards hold? One truth endures: In a contest born from postwar healing, music’s power to unite now tests its limits against the world’s fractures.
In summing up, the EBU’s nod to Israel for Eurovision 2026—sans exclusion vote—has triggered walkouts from the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, exposing rifts over Gaza and voting integrity that could shrink the field dramatically. Looking ahead, Iceland’s decision and potential ripple effects loom large, but with Austria’s hosting firm, expect a tense buildup to Vienna—where songs may soothe, but silence from boycotters will echo loudest.
Sam Michael
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