The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed on November 4 that Israel will be allowed to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, triggering withdrawals from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia and igniting one of the biggest disputes in the competition’s history.
The broadcasters who pulled out cited the rising death toll in Gaza and accused Israel of violating rules designed to protect the contest’s neutrality. Israel, in turn, accused its critics of leading a global smear campaign. Following a meeting in Geneva, the EBU opted against a vote on Israel’s participation, instead introducing new rules aimed at discouraging government interference.
Immediately after the announcement, the Dutch, Spanish, Irish and Slovenian broadcasters confirmed their withdrawal, meaning their singers will not compete in next year’s contest in Vienna, which attracts millions of viewers worldwide.
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Eurovision expert Ben Robertson of ESC Insight said the controversy marked a low point for the contest’s integrity.
«Never in the history of the contest have we had such a vote and such a split between EBU member broadcasters,» he said.
Meanwhile, both the Israeli government and opposition leaders welcomed the decision.
Ireland’s RTE described participation as «unconscionable» given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while Spain’s RTVE accused the contest of being «dominated by geopolitical interests.» Slovenia, along with Spain, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Turkey, Algeria and Iceland, had requested a secret vote on Israel’s inclusion, but this was not held. Iceland’s RUV will decide on participation next Wednesday.
The EBU said its new rules prevent governments from disproportionately promoting entries and ensure all members willing to comply can take part. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog thanked supporters and emphasised Eurovision’s role in promoting «culture, music and friendship between nations.»
Germany, a strong supporter of the contest, had warned it would withdraw if Israel were barred.
Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer said: «Israel belongs to the Eurovision Song Contest like Germany belongs to Europe.»
Contest director Martin Green highlighted Eurovision’s unifying purpose.
«Eurovision was born from the ashes of the Second World War,» he said. «It was designed to bring us together. We have a complicated world, but we hope this is temporary and we will move forward.»
