Public broadcasters from several countries, such as Spain and the Netherlands, have decided to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 due to Israel’s participation. This move reflects the growing political tensions that have overshadowed the typically festive event centered around musical harmony.
The withdrawals by Ireland and Slovenia followed a meeting of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), where concerns were raised about Israel’s involvement in the competition, particularly in light of its actions in the Gaza conflict. Despite allegations of vote manipulation by Israel, the EBU implemented stricter voting rules but did not exclude any broadcaster from the contest.
The Eurovision Song Contest, which attracts over 100 million viewers annually, has been impacted by the conflict in Gaza for the past two years. Several countries, including Iceland, are considering boycotting the event over Israel’s participation.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed satisfaction that Israel will be participating in Eurovision and emphasized the competition’s role in promoting culture, music, and international friendship. While Austria and Germany support Israel’s involvement, broadcasters like Avrotros and RTVE have raised concerns about participating alongside Israel due to ethical considerations.
The contest, scheduled to take place in Vienna in May 2026, has faced political controversies in the past. Previous instances, such as Russia’s expulsion in 2022 and protests against Israel at recent contests, highlight the recurring intersection of geopolitics and the music competition.
Critics of Israel’s participation point to the Gaza conflict’s toll on civilian lives and the government’s defense of its military campaign against Hamas-led militants. The decision by certain European broadcasters to boycott the event could impact viewership and financial aspects amid broader challenges faced by the broadcasting industry.
The controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 risks overshadowing the return of countries like Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania, which are making a comeback to the competition after absences due to financial and artistic reasons.