For several weeks, the global community surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest has been embroiled in intense discussions. At the heart of the debate is whether Israel should be allowed to compete in next year’s event, given the escalating humanitarian crisis linked to its military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Major broadcasters from nations such as Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands have recently announced their intention to pull out of the competition if Israel remains a participant.
Conversely, some nations, including Austria – slated to host the upcoming contest – have urged these countries to reconsider their stance and avoid such a significant boycott.
Behind the scenes, the organizers of Eurovision have been actively seeking to postpone a definitive decision, hoping to find a resolution that would satisfy all parties without causing further division.
However, the moment for a conclusive decision has finally arrived.
The board of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the body responsible for organizing the celebrated, often flamboyant, music event, confirmed via email that an extraordinary general meeting will take place in early November. During this crucial meeting, member broadcasters will cast their votes on the question of Israel’s participation.
A spokesperson for Eurovision refrained from offering any additional comments or specifics regarding the upcoming vote.
In a formal letter addressed to its members, EBU President Delphine Ernotte Cunci acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the situation, stating that the organization had “never faced a divisive situation like this before.”
Since its inception in 1956, Eurovision has consistently promoted itself as a politically neutral platform, a unique opportunity for diverse nations to set aside their differences and come together through music. Yet, in the two years following the outbreak of conflict in Gaza after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Israel’s involvement has frequently overshadowed the competition itself.
Calls for Israel’s exclusion have come from numerous artists, while widespread demonstrations have been staged in protest. Even the 2024 song submitted by Israel’s broadcaster drew criticism from fans, who perceived it as a subtle commentary on the war in Gaza, leading the contest organizers to demand changes to its lyrics.
During this year’s final, held in Basel, Switzerland, Israel achieved a second-place finish. Their act, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the Hamas attack, garnered the highest public vote, though Austria’s contestant ultimately triumphed in the closing moments of the show.
Following the event, several participating countries voiced concerns, alleging that the Israeli government attempted to influence the voting outcome. This included instances where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and official Israeli social media accounts encouraged voting, and the Israeli Government Advertising Agency purchased online advertisements to promote support.
In July, EBU members convened to discuss Israel’s role, but no firm decision was reached. Instead, the organization appointed an expert to gather diverse member opinions, intending to present them for a comprehensive discussion at its general assembly later in December.
However, the pressure for a resolution has intensified significantly in recent weeks. On September 11, RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, released a statement declaring it would “not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead.”
Notably, Ireland holds a strong record in the competition, having won Eurovision seven times, making it one of the most successful nations alongside Sweden.
The RTÉ statement emphasized that Ireland’s participation would be “unconscionable” due to the “ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.” It further expressed profound concern over the targeted killing of journalists, restricted access for international media to the territory, and the dire situation of remaining hostages.
In a similar vein, both the Dutch national broadcaster and RTVE in Spain announced their intentions to withdraw from Eurovision if Israel were to participate.
José Pablo López, President of RTVE, challenged the notion that Eurovision could ever be truly apolitical. In an interview, 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.”
López further articulated RTVE’s position, stating, “We consider it essential to speak out against what is happening in Gaza and to take a visible, meaningful stand.”
In response, KAN, Israel’s public broadcasting corporation, maintained that Israel should retain its right to participate.
A KAN spokesman’s statement highlighted the concern that “The potential disqualification of Israel’s public broadcaster KAN — one of the contest’s longstanding, popular and successful participants — would be especially troubling ahead of the 70th edition of the song contest, which was founded as a symbol of unity, solidarity and fellowship.” The statement concluded by warning that “Any such move could have wide-ranging implications for the competition and the values for which the E.B.U. stands.”
Adding another layer to the controversy, lawmakers are also voicing their opinions. This month, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austria’s foreign minister, sent letters to her counterparts in six countries contemplating a boycott, urging them to rethink their position.
Meinl-Reisinger firmly stated her belief that “The Eurovision Song Contest in particular — and the arts in general — are not the appropriate arenas for sanctions.” She further argued 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.”