Countries threaten Eurovision boycott over 'Israel’s' participation

The Eurovision Song Contest is facing renewed controversy as several European broadcasters hint at possible boycotts if 'Israel' is allowed to participate in next year’s contest.

Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO recently announced it will not compete in 2026 unless 'Israel' is excluded, drawing comparisons to Russia’s ban following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“We will only return if Israel is banned,” RTVSLO stated.

Icelandic broadcaster RÚV has also signaled uncertainty regarding its participation, with the chair confirming that the decision will depend on Israel’s invitation.

Meanwhile, Spain’s minister of culture, Ernest Urtasun, called for his country to withdraw from Eurovision if 'Israel' remains part of the competition. He told La Hora De La 1, “I don’t think we can normalize Israel’s participation in international events as if nothing is happening. Events like Eurovision [bring] a certain representation of a country. In Eurovision’s case, it is not an individual artist who participates but someone who participates on behalf of that country’s citizens.”

Spain, part of Eurovision’s “Big Five,” countries guaranteed a spot in the grand final due to their financial contributions, has a significant role in the contest, giving weight to Urtasun’s statement. Similar concerns have been raised by Germany and Italy, who also form part of the Big Five, with both broadcasters reportedly threatening withdrawal if 'Israel' is permitted to compete in 2026.

Eurovision director Martin Green addressed the situation in a statement to HuffPost UK, “We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. We are still consulting with all EBU Members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Song Contest. Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna. It is up to each Member to decide if they want to take part in the Contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make.”

Some former Eurovision contestants and recent winners, including JJ from Austria and Nemo from Switzerland, have also voiced support for 'Israel’s' exclusion from the competition.

In response to criticism, Germany’s Südwestrundfunk (SWR) emphasized the longstanding role of 'Israel' in the contest. A spokesperson told HuffPost UK, “The ESC is a music competition organised by EBU broadcasters, not governments. The Israeli broadcaster KAN adheres to applicable regulations and has been an integral part of the music competition for more than 60 years. We affirm their membership and the core values of the ESC.”

As mid-December approaches, the European Broadcasting Union and participating countries face mounting pressure to address the politically charged debate, which could reshape the lineup for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.