Israel to Join Eurovision 2026 Amid Withdrawal of Three Countries

Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has sparked significant controversy. Several broadcasters have announced their intention to boycott the event following the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) recent decisions.

Countries Withdrawing from Eurovision 2026

• Dutch Broadcaster: AVROTROS has decided against participating.
• Spain’s RTVE: The Spanish broadcaster confirmed its withdrawal.
• Ireland’s RTE: Stated it will not participate, citing humanitarian concerns.
• Slovenia’s RTV: Declared it would not join if Israel is included.

These decisions came after the EBU held a general assembly where members discussed new rules aimed at reinforcing trust and protecting neutrality. Despite this, the planned vote on participation for 2026 was not executed.

Reactions from Israeli Officials

Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, expressed its stance before the assembly. Chief Executive Golan Yochpaz and EBU representative Ayala Mizrahi outlined KAN’s objections to attempts at disqualifying the country from the competition.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also weighed in. He voiced his belief that “Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world.” Herzog emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and friendship through such events.

Context of the Boycott

The boycott reflects broader concerns amid ongoing humanitarian crises. RTE’s statement pointed directly to the situation in Gaza, highlighting the loss of lives and the continued risk to civilians as key reasons for Ireland’s withdrawal.

Similarly, AVROTROS emphasized that current conditions were inconsistent with their organizational values. RTVE’s board decision in September also factored into its determination to withdraw if Israel participated.

The Importance of Participation in Eurovision

This situation has significant implications for Eurovision. Spain, as one of the “Big Five” broadcasters, plays a crucial role in funding the contest alongside France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. Their absence could severely impact the event’s financial viability.

In a previous contest, Israeli singer Yuval Raphael achieved notable success, garnering substantial public votes and finishing as runner-up amid competitive evaluations. This year, the focus shifts to the evolving dynamics among participating countries.