After it was decided that Israel could compete in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia boycotted the event, joining a number of countries that had called for Israel's exclusion due to the ongoing war in Gaza and accusations of unfair voting practices. However, at a meeting in Geneva where a vote was held on new safeguards, a "large majority" of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that Eurovision 2026 could proceed as planned, according to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
The Spanish broadcaster RTVE, which had led calls for a secret ballot on the issue, expressed its increased "distrust of the festival's organization" following the decision. Ireland's RTÉ felt that its "participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk."
Spain, one of Eurovision's "Big Five" countries along with France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, had artists allowed straight into the final due to their broadcasters' significant financial contribution to the EBU. Approximately 50 broadcasters, including the BBC, attended an EBU meeting on Thursday to discuss the future of the contest, which is watched by more than 150 million people each year.
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed his "pleasure" that members had been given an "opportunity to debate" Israel's place in the contest before the vote. "It was a full, frank, and honest debate, quite moving. But as we can see from the emphatic result, they really came together on a belief that the Eurovision Song Contest shouldn't be used as a political theatre; it must retain some sense of neutrality," he said.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog praised the decision to allow the country to compete, calling it "an appreciated gesture of solidarity, brotherhood, and cooperation, symbolizing a victory over those who seek to silence Israel and spread hatred." He added that he was "glad that Israel will participate again in Eurovision and I hope that the competition will remain one that sanctifies culture, poetry, and friendship between peoples and cross-border cultural understanding."
The CEO of Israel's broadcaster, KAN, described the attempt to disqualify its entry as "a cultural boycott." A boycott may begin today with Israel but no one knows where it will end or who else it may harm," said Golan Yochpaz. "Is this what we truly want this contest to be remembered for on its 70th anniversary?"
The BBC, which broadcasts Eurovision in the UK, said in a statement: "We support the collective decision made by members of the EBU. This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive." However, the decision has exposed a deep rift in the Eurovision community.
The Dutch broadcaster Avrotros stated that "participation under the current circumstances is incompatible with the public values that are essential to us." The Spanish broadcaster RTVE added that "the board of directors of RTVE agreed last September that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision if Israel was part of it." This withdrawal also means that RTVE will not broadcast the Eurovision 2026 final... nor the preliminary semi-finals." Slovenia's broadcaster RTV also maintained its position that "the recent rule changes do not alter our view. As a public service broadcaster, RTV Slovenia is committed to upholding ethical principles and expects that equal rules and standards apply to all EBU members and all participating countries." Belgium's broadcaster said it would "take a position in the coming days."
