Palestine in Eurovision? Italy broadcaster requests Palestinian artist to perform

• Three board members of the Italian broadcaster RAI have formally requested that the EBU and ORF invite a Palestinian artist to perform as a guest in Vienna to preserve the contest's "foundational principles" amid mounting pressure over ‘Israel's’ participation.
• The initiative follows a boycott threat from Italian artist Levante (should she win Sanremo 2026) and a petition from the USB union, while host broadcaster ORF has already signaled a policy shift by announcing it will not ban Palestinian flags or audience boos during the 2026 event.

Italian public broadcaster RAI has formally requested that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Austrian broadcaster ORF invite a Palestinian artist to perform in a non-competitive capacity at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, scheduled for Vienna.

This appeal, first reported by Corriere della Sera, stems from severe tensions surrounding ‘Israel's’ participation in the event.

The initiative originates from three members of RAI's board of directors: Alessandro di Majo, Davide Di Pietro, and Roberto Natale.

In a joint statement, they argued that Palestine must be welcomed on the Eurovision stage to avoid undermining the contest's foundational principles.

Fabrizio Casinelli, RAI's Director of Communications, confirmed the broadcaster's position during a press conference for the Festival di Sanremo, reiterating the call for organizers not to overlook the issue.

This development was prompted by statements from Italian artist Levante, a participant in the 2026 Sanremo Festival. Levante declared that, should she win the competition—which serves as Italy's selection process for Eurovision—she would ’Israeli’ genocide in Gaza.

Boycott of 'Israel' 

The broader context involves controversies over ‘Israel's’ role in Eurovision amid the ongoing assault on Gaza.

Earlier, RAI had supported ‘Israel's’ participation during an EBU General Assembly vote in December 2025, aligning with a majority that allowed the ‘Israeli’ broadcaster KAN to compete.

However, this stance has faced domestic opposition, including a petition from the USB union at RAI calling for Italy to boycott the 2026 contest entirely due to ‘Israel's’ inclusion.

ORF, as the host broadcaster, has addressed related concerns by announcing in December 2025 that it will not prohibit Palestinian flags in the audience nor suppress boos directed at performers, marking a shift from previous policies.

Eurovision 2026, the 70th edition, will take place at Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle on May 12 and 14 for the semi-finals, and May 16 for the grand final, following Austria's victory in 2025 with JJ's "Wasted Love."

Thirty-five countries are confirmed to participate.