Israel to Stay in Eurovision Song Contest

Israel will continue to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the popular international music competition, confirmed on Thursday that Israels involvement in next years event will go ahead as scheduled.

Several European nations, including Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, have announced they will boycott Eurovision 2026 in protest. Broadcasters from these countries had requested that Israel be excluded due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Unlike Russia, which was banned from Eurovision following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Israels participation will proceed without a formal vote. During the EBUs general assembly in Geneva, the organization stated that a large majority of members agreed there was no need for a further vote and confirmed that Eurovision 2026 will move forward with additional safeguards.

Spains public broadcaster RTVE, along with seven other nations, had formally requested a secret ballot to determine Israels eligibility. Following the assembly, RTVE announced it would boycott the event, refusing to air the semi-finals or the main contest in Vienna. The network cited a lack of trust in the EBUs decision-making and expressed concern about political influence on the competition.

Broadcasters from the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia joined Spain in the boycott. Meanwhile, the EBU approved new rules aimed at preventing excessive promotion of songs by governments or external parties, addressing concerns raised after this years contest. In 2025, Israels entrant, Yuval Raphael, led the public vote with New Day Will Rise but ultimately finished second after jury scores were tallied.

Since its debut in 1973, Israel has won the Eurovision Song Contest four times, maintaining a strong presence in the competition.

Author: Caleb Jennings