Eurovision participants discuss proposal to boycott Israel

A two-day gathering of Eurovision member broadcasters in Geneva, beginning Thursday, will focus on Israel's potential participation in the contest amid criticism of its actions in Gaza. Several countries, including Iceland, Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands, have threatened to withdraw from the 2026 contest if Israel competes. Other nations, such as Belgium, Finland, and Sweden, are reportedly considering a boycott.

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS cited Israel's "serious violation of press freedom" in Gaza and alleged interference in the previous Eurovision contest, where Israel placed second, by lobbying international audiences to vote for it.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), responsible for organizing Eurovision, initially intended to hold a vote on Israels participation in November. Following the October 10 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the vote was postponed to the general assembly on December 4 and 5. Last month, the EBU revised its voting rules to address members concerns, aiming to enhance "trust and transparency." Broadcasters at this weeks meeting will assess whether these changes are adequate or if a vote on Israels participation is still necessary.

Austrias ORF, which will host the 2026 contest, expressed hope for broad participation. However, some broadcasters remain skeptical of the EBUs adjustments. Icelands RUV stated it would push for Israels removal before confirming its own participation. Spains RTVE reaffirmed its boycott intentions, citing political influence exerted by Israel in the contest. Slovenia has not allocated a budget for participation but indicated it might reconsider if Israel is barred.

The EBU's rule modifications follow instances where Israeli acts received limited jury support but substantial public votes, boosting Eden Golan to fifth place in Malm, Sweden, in 2024, and Yuval Raphael to second in Basel, Switzerland, this year.

Israel would not be the first country barred from Eurovision: Russia was excluded after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Belarus was barred a year earlier following a disputed election.

Author: Olivia Parker