'Israel' told to withdraw or perform under neutral flag at Eurovision 2026
The European Broadcasting Union has dismissed these reports as “false” and said no such suggestion has been made.
Earlier, it was reported that Eurovision organizers advised 'Israel' to temporarily withdraw from the 2026 contest or perform under a neutral flag to avoid the risk of being ousted in a vote later this year, according to a report by 'Israeli' outlet Ynet on Sunday.
Read more: Eurovision denies reports suggesting 'Israel' withdraws
The unofficial message comes ahead of a European Broadcasting Union (EBU) assembly in Geneva, where 'Israel’s' participation is expected to be discussed amid growing backlash over the ongoing war in Gaza.
'Israel' is currently among 22 countries that have expressed interest in competing in next year’s contest in Austria. However, several countries have said they will wait until after the December assembly before finalizing their participation. At least seven countries have threatened to withdraw if 'Israel' remains in the competition.
Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun reiterated on Monday that his country could pull out, noting that Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands have already made similar declarations.
According to Ynet, officials suggested that a temporary withdrawal or the use of a neutral flag - potentially bearing the logo of Kan, 'Israel’s' public broadcaster - could help avoid a “humiliating elimination.” The dispute, they said, is directed at the 'Israeli' government’s policies rather than Kan itself.
Another reported suggestion was for Kan to issue a statement condemning 'Israel’s' government and military, which some believe could improve the country’s chances in the EBU vote.
The EBU, however, distanced itself from the claims, saying consultations are ongoing and that no decisions will be made until the process is complete. It previously discussed 'Israel’s' participation at a July meeting in London but postponed a vote until December.
Kan told Ynet it had not received any such messages.
International calls for 'Israel' to be excluded from cultural and entertainment events have grown in recent months, with open letters from artists, musicians and writers urging a boycott over the war in Gaza.
'Israel' has rejected accusations of genocide, insisting it aims to avoid civilian casualties and accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields by operating from residential and civilian areas.
- False claims -
European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, has denied reports that it suggested 'Israel' could either withdraw from the 2026 contest or compete under a neutral flag.
The EBU said the report was “false” and said no such suggestion had been made, according to MEE.
“A consultation with the wider EBU membership is ongoing, and no decisions will be made until the process concludes,” the union added.
