Yuval Raphael representing 'Israel' in Eurovision (Credit: AP)
Seven in ten Britons want UK to quit Eurovision if 'Israel' competes
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A new poll suggests broad public opposition in the United Kingdom to 'Israel’s' participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.
The survey, commissioned by political adviser Pablo O’Hana, found that 82 percent of respondents believe 'Israel' should be excluded and that seven in ten would support a UK withdrawal if it is allowed to compete.
The findings stand in contrast to the BBC, which backed the European Broadcasting Union’s decision last week to approve 'Israel’s' entry.
- Growing list of European boycotts -
Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands have already confirmed they will not take part in the contest after calling for 'Israel’s' exclusion over genocidal crimes in Gaza and allegations of unfair voting behavior. Three-quarters of British respondents said banning Russia while allowing 'Israel' is “inconsistent.”
“Eurovision isn’t just about songs and staging. It’s about values. If Israel is permitted to compete, the people of Britain believe we should walk away,” O’Hana said.
- EBU avoids vote amid pressure -
Despite expectations of a debate at the EBU general assembly, no vote was held. The EBU said “a large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision song contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place.”
- Political reaction split across parties -
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey criticized the boycotting countries, arguing that “there is a ceasefire in Gaza and therefore this action is the wrong thing.” Davey has previously accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, prompting MP Zarah Sultana of the new Your Party to call his latest remarks “spineless.”
The Green Party renewed its call for a UK exit, stating that the event “cannot be used to whitewash Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.”
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake took the opposite stance, saying Britain is a “friend of Israel” and “should compete” in Eurovision 2026.
