Eurovision Broadcasters to Vote on Israel’s Participation Amid Boycott Calls 

December 5, 2025 News
A Palestinian flag was displayed during the performance by the Israeli singer at Eurovision.(Photo: video grab)

Israel’s potential inclusion in the Eurovision contest has triggered strong reactions across Europe, with some broadcasters reportedly threatening to withdraw if Tel Aviv is not expelled.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is expected to hold a vote on whether Israel will be allowed to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest following controversy over the country’s role in the competition due to its genocidal military operation in Gaza.

The issue is set to be discussed at the EBU’s 95th General Assembly from December 4-5, where members will also review recently announced changes to the contest’s voting system, the Anadolu news agency reported. The updates aim to strengthen transparency following allegations that the Israeli government interfered in last year’s contest, according to the report.

Dave Goodman, head of communications for the Eurovision Song Contest, told Anadolu on Wednesday that members will be asked to assess whether the reforms sufficiently address concerns without the need for a formal vote.

“Members will only vote on (Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest) if they believe that the new updates alone are not sufficient,” he said.

Voting Set-up

The EBU announced new rules in November designed to curb disproportionate promotional campaigns, especially those run by governments or state institutions.

Participating broadcasters and artists are now banned from taking part in third-party campaigns that might influence results.

The EBU warned that any attempts to unfairly affect voting will lead to sanctions.

Under the changes, the maximum number of votes an individual can cast per payment method (online, SMS, or phone) is being cut in half, from 20 to 10 for the 2026 contest in Vienna.

Professional juries will also return to the semi-finals for the first time since 2022, restoring a near 50–50 balance between jury and public voting.

Boycott threats

Israel’s potential inclusion has triggered strong reactions across Europe.

Spain’s broadcaster RTVE has announced that it will withdraw from the 2026 contest if Israel is not expelled, the Anadolu report noted.

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said it cannot support Israel’s participation, “given the ongoing severe humanitarian tragedy in Gaza,” adding that government interference in the contest has been proven, while Slovenia’s RTV said it would also withdraw, citing solidarity with Palestinians.

Iceland’s broadcaster RUV said it will “reconsider” participation should Israel compete, while its board has already called for Israel’s exclusion.

Ireland’s RTE announced that it would not take part if Israel is permitted to enter, stating it would be “unconscionable” to compete amid the situation in Gaza.

Support for Israel

Some countries, however, support Israel’s continued involvement.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that if Israel were expelled, Germany should withdraw from Eurovision, calling even the discussion of expulsion “a scandal.”

Austria’s ORF, the host broadcaster for 2026, also backs Israel’s participation, saying the country is “an inseparable part” of the contest.

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held in Vienna next May.

Russia’s Exclusion

Members previously voted to exclude Russia in 2022 following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, but despite Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza in the past two years, its participation has not been blocked.

Israel’s assault on the enclave has resulted in the deaths of over 70,000 Palestinians, including women and children, the injury of over 170,000 and the displacement of the vast majority of the population.

Children among Dead in Israeli Drone Strike on Displaced Families in Khan Yunis

In addition to the military assault, the Israeli blockade has caused a man-made famine, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians—mostly children—with hundreds of thousands more at risk.

Despite widespread international condemnation, little has been done to hold Israel accountable. The nation is currently under investigation for genocide by the International Court of Justice, while accused war criminals, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are officially wanted by the International Criminal Court.

(Anadolu, PC)

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1 Comment

  1. There’s a wide support for the palestinians all over Europe, so if Palestine will send a song to the Eurovision song contest – they will probebly win.

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