Eurovision organizers to make decision on Israel's involvement in 2026 competition

Executives of the Eurovision Song Contest, the vibrant international music competition watched by millions worldwide, are set to convene on Thursday to deliberate Israels entry for next years edition, following calls for the countrys exclusion due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The session will take place at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) headquarters in Geneva. The EBU, representing 56 public broadcasters across Europe and beyond, will examine recently introduced rules aimed at preventing undue influence on voting from governments or external parties.

Several countries have voiced apprehensions about Israels participation because of its military actions in Gaza after Hamas deadly October 7, 2023 attacks. The Palestinian Ministry of Health, under Hamas, reports that the conflict has resulted in over 70,000 fatalities.

Israels public broadcaster, KAN, has reportedly continued preparations for the 2026 competition and is expected to present its stance on potential disqualification during Thursdays meeting. The EBU stated that if consensus on the new voting safeguards cannot be reached, a formal vote on Israels participation may occur. An absolute majority would be required to bar the country from competing.

The neutrality and integrity of the Eurovision Song Contest is paramount for the EBU, its members, and all viewers. Ensuring the fairness of the contest is crucial, said competition director Martin Green in November. He added that decisive measures are being taken to preserve the event as a celebration of music and unity.

First held in 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest is a unique festival where artists from multiple nations vie for the annual music crown. Last year, it drew an audience of 166 million, an increase of 3 million from the previous year. While the contest traditionally seeks to separate music from politics, recent editions in Switzerland and Sweden have seen pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

This is not the first time geopolitical tensions have affected the contest. In 2022, Russia was barred from participation following its invasion of Ukraine. Ahead of the 2026 event in Austria, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have threatened to boycott if Israel competes, while Germany has voiced support for Israels inclusion.

Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest. There cannot be an ESC without Israel, said Germanys Minister of State for Culture, Wolfram Weimer.

Portuguese broadcaster RTP president Nicolau Santos, arriving for the discussions, described the upcoming meeting as very, I suppose, interesting regarding Israels participation.

Eurovision expert Paul Jordan, known as Dr Eurovision, remarked, The slogan is United by Music, yet the event is increasingly fractured by politics.

Austrias Foreign Minister Beate Meini-Reisinger emphasized the contests commitment to political neutrality, responding to planned boycotts by a few nations. She stated that Eurovision is not an instrument for sanctions and urged European partners to seek joint solutions to improve the situation in Israel and Gaza.

Author: Connor Blake