After months of upheaval, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) appears to be seeking an unofficial solution to the growing calls from members and artists to bar Israel from participating in the Eurovision song contest 2026 over the war in Gaza.
According to Israeli news outlet Ynet, an informal proposal has been conveyed to the country’s representatives, suggesting either a temporary withdrawal from the competition or participation under a neutral flag. Israeli media reports, however, indicate that both options are unlikely to be accepted.
These developments come just days after Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovakia announced they would not compete in Europe’s most popular music contest if Israel takes part. Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE also followed suit, announcing on Tuesday morning that the country will withdraw its act if Israel is allowed to participate in Eurovision 2026. Spain in the first of the so-called “Big 5” countries that has announced its intend to boycott the competition over Israel’s bloody war in Gaza.
Eurovision’s managing director, Martin Green, emphasized that he “understands the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” He noted that consultations with EBU members are continuing, and that broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm whether they intend to participate in next year’s contest in Vienna.
The glitzy contest despite its attempts to “unite through music” has turned extremely political over the last two years. Among the artists calling for an Israeli ban is Austrian singer JJ, winner of Eurovision 2025. In addition, more than 70 former contestants signed an open letter in May 2025 urging Israel’s removal from the competition, while accusing the country of perpetrating a “genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza”.
Despite the ongoing political problems the song contest is facing, it still manages to attract vast audiences, drawing 168 million viewers last year. The 70th edition of the Eurovision song contest will be held in Vienna in May 2026.
