For many weeks, the vibrant world of the Eurovision Song Contest has been embroiled in intense controversy. The central question: should Israel be allowed to compete in next year’s event, especially given the escalating humanitarian crisis unfolding during its ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip?
In a significant development, national broadcasters from several prominent countries, including Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, have recently declared their intention to pull out of the competition should Israel’s participation proceed.
Conversely, other nations, notably next year’s host, Austria, have urged these broadcasters to reconsider, imploring them not to take such a dramatic step.
Behind the glittering facade of the contest, Eurovision organizers have been strategically delaying a decision, seemingly in pursuit of a harmonious resolution that would avoid further division.
However, the time for postponement is over; a definitive decision is now imminent.
This past Thursday, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) — the body responsible for organizing this iconic, often flamboyant, musical spectacle — announced via email that an extraordinary general meeting would take place in early November. During this crucial gathering, member broadcasters will cast their votes on the highly contentious issue of Israel’s involvement.
A spokesperson for Eurovision declined to provide additional specifics regarding the upcoming meeting.
In a candid letter addressed to its members, EBU President Delphine Ernotte Cunci admitted that the organization has “never faced a divisive situation like this before,” underscoring the unprecedented nature of the current challenges.
Established in 1956, Eurovision has historically presented itself as a politically neutral platform, promoting the idea that nations can set aside geopolitical disputes to unite through music. However, in the two years following the outbreak of war in Gaza, sparked by the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, Israel’s participation has frequently cast a long shadow over the contest, diverting attention from its core mission.
The call for Israel’s exclusion has been echoed by various artists and met with public protests from demonstrators. Even Eurovision enthusiasts voiced strong disapproval of the 2024 song submitted by Israel’s broadcaster, perceiving it as a thinly veiled reference to the conflict in Gaza. Consequently, the contest’s organizers mandated changes to the lyrics.
During this year’s grand finale in Basel, Switzerland, Israel achieved a remarkable second-place finish, largely thanks to its performer, Yuval Raphael – a survivor of the Hamas attack – who garnered the highest public vote. It was only in the very last moments of the broadcast that Austria’s contestant managed to clinch the victory.
Following the contest, allegations arose from several nations that Israel’s government had actively attempted to sway the public vote. This included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and official Israeli social media accounts encouraging citizens to cast their ballots, alongside the Israeli Government Advertising Agency purchasing YouTube advertisements to boost voting numbers.
Back in July, the European Broadcasting Union’s members met to deliberate on Israel’s involvement, but no definitive conclusion was reached. Instead, the EBU opted to appoint an expert to compile member opinions for a more comprehensive discussion at its general assembly in December.
Despite these prior discussions, the pressure for immediate action has intensified significantly in recent weeks. On September 11, RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, issued a statement unequivocally declaring that it “would not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead.”
Notably, Ireland boasts a formidable record in Eurovision, having won the competition seven times, making it one of the most successful nations alongside Sweden.
RTÉ’s statement elaborated, expressing that Ireland’s participation “would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.” The broadcaster also highlighted its “deep concern by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, and the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages.”
Mirroring Ireland’s stance, the Dutch national broadcaster also announced its withdrawal if Israel were to participate. Similar sentiments were echoed by RTVE in Spain.
José Pablo López, president of RTVE, stated in an interview that it’s misleading for Eurovision organizers to claim the event is apolitical. He asserted, “We are all aware that the contest carries significant political implications. The Israeli government is equally aware of this fact and leverages the event on the international stage.”
He further emphasized, “We consider it essential to speak out against what is happening in Gaza and to take a visible, meaningful stand.”
In response, a spokesperson for KAN, Israel’s public broadcaster, released a statement advocating for the country’s continued participation.
KAN’s statement read: “There is no reason why Israel should not continue to play a meaningful role in this major cultural event, which must remain a celebration of music and creativity, and not become politicized.” They added, “Looking ahead, Kan is preparing to select Israel’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Austria.”
The debate has also drawn the attention of political figures. This month, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austria’s foreign minister, formally appealed to her counterparts in six nations contemplating a boycott, urging them to reconsider their position.
She articulated her firm belief: “I firmly believe that the Eurovision Song Contest in particular — and the arts in general — are not the appropriate arenas for sanctions.” She concluded by arguing that “Excluding Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest or boycotting the event would neither ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza nor contribute to finding a sustainable political solution.”