Controversy over Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision song contest

GENEVA The organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest, the popular music event watched by over 100 million people annually, are set to convene Thursday to address a contentious question: should Israel be permitted to compete in the 2026 edition?

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which represents public broadcasters from 56 nations and oversees the contest, is holding a general assembly. Several member countries have suggested Israel be barred, citing concerns over alleged manipulation in previous voting and its military actions against Hamas in Gaza.

Experts predict no consensus will emerge at the EBU headquarters in Geneva, and it remains uncertain if a formal vote will take place. This could leave individual broadcasters or coalitions to independently decide whether to participate.

Eurovision is becoming increasingly fragmented, said Paul Jordan, a contest analyst known as Dr. Eurovision. Its motto is United by Music, yet politics is causing division.

The 70th edition, scheduled for Vienna next May, brings together artists from dozens of countries for a musical showdown. While the event aims to prioritize entertainment over politics, it has often been affected by global conflicts. Russia was banned in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.

The ongoing Gaza conflict has been particularly divisive. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested outside the last two contests in Basel, Switzerland, and Malm, Sweden, in 2024. This conflict has also highlighted divisions within European broadcasters. Austria, hosting after JJs win with Wasted Love, and Germany reportedly support Israel's participation.

Meanwhile, countries including Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain have threatened to withdraw if Israel competes. Critics point to the Gaza war, which has caused over 70,000 deaths according to Hamas-run health authorities, as a key objection. Israel maintains its actions are a response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that killed around 1,200 people and left 251 hostages.

The EBU also faces questions about safeguarding voting integrity. Measures under discussion include limiting votes per payment method and reinstating professional juries for the semifinals. A participation vote would only occur if members feel these steps fail to ensure the contest's neutrality.

Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm involvement, with the final list expected by Christmas. Eurovision expert Dean Vuletic noted that any boycott by EU nations would be unprecedented given their democratic values. It would be the largest Eurovision boycott ever, he said.

Israels broadcaster, Kan, has not indicated any intention to withdraw. The potential boycott could impact viewership and finances, particularly for major contributors like Spain, part of the Big Five, and Ireland, which has seven wins.

The dispute may also overshadow the anticipated return of Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania, absent in recent years due to budget and creative constraints.

There are no winners here. Eurovision is supposed to unite people through music, not politics, Jordan said. Yet, unfortunately, it has become a political battleground.

Author: Ethan Caldwell