German broadcaster supports Israel in Eurovision controversy

Germany's public broadcaster in charge of the country's Eurovision entry has affirmed that Israel has every right to compete, amid discussions among European media over whether to bar the nation due to its actions in Gaza. In a statement, SWR confirmed that "the Israeli broadcaster KAN meets all participation criteria" for the contest.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a vocal supporter of Israel, described the idea of excluding Israel as "outrageous" and indicated that Germany might consider boycotting the contest if such a decision were made.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is currently conducting a two-day meeting in Geneva to address the situation, with several member countries threatening to withdraw should Israel be allowed to take part. SWR emphasized that Eurovision has long served as a platform for "bringing people together across Europe and beyond, promoting diversity, respect, and openness regardless of background, religion, or beliefs." It also noted that the contest is organized by EBU broadcasters rather than national governments and expressed confidence that a resolution could be reached in line with EBU principles.

Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer stated, "There can be no Eurovision without Israel," urging the EBU to uphold "European values" in its decision-making.

Germany has historically been a strong ally of Israel, although Merz has criticized Israel's recent Gaza campaign, which the Hamas-run territory's health ministry reports has resulted in at least 70,000 deaths, a figure recognized by the United Nations.

Political controversies have affected Eurovision in the past. Russia was barred from the 2022 contest following its invasion of Ukraine, and Belarus was excluded a year earlier after disputed presidential elections. At the time of Russia's exclusion, Germany's public broadcasters ARD and ZDF supported the decision, stating, "If a participant country of the ESC is attacked by another, we stand in solidarity within the European ESC family. Therefore, the decision against Russia's participation was correct."

Author: Natalie Monroe