Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Eurovision Allows Israel to Compete in 2026; Multiple Countries Boycott
The Eurovision Song Contest has decided to let Israel compete in 2026.
However, some countries like Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland have said they won't participate because they don't agree with Israel being part of the contest.
These countries think it's not right to have Israel in the competition right now because of the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Dutch and Spanish broadcasters said that joining the contest under these conditions goes against their values.
The European Broadcasting Union had been under pressure to decide on Israel's participation.
The director of Eurovision, Martin Green, has said that while the contest can't ignore world events, it's important to have a space where people can come together and enjoy themselves.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog hopes the contest will promote understanding and friendship between nations.
Eurovision Song Contest allows Israel to compete in 2026.
Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland announce boycotts.
Dutch and Spanish broadcasters cite incompatibility with public values.
Spain and the Netherlands had previously threatened boycotts due to the Israel-Hamas War.
Russia has been banned from the contest since the start of the war in Ukraine.
- Who
- Eurovision Song Contest organizers, Israel, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland
- What
- Eurovision allows Israel to compete in 2026; several countries announce boycotts
- When
- After a meeting of participating broadcasters
- Where
- Eurovision Song Contest 2026
- Why
- Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland boycott due to Israel's participation under current circumstances and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Pro-Israel Participation
Boycotting Countries
Israel's Participation
Pro-Israel Participation
Israel's participation promotes cultural understanding and unity.
Boycotting Countries
Israel's participation is unconscionable given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Government Influence
Pro-Israel Participation
New rules aim to prevent government influence in the contest.
Boycotting Countries
The contest's neutrality is compromised by Israel's involvement amid the Gaza war.
Public Values
Pro-Israel Participation
The contest should remain a platform for music and entertainment.
Boycotting Countries
Participation under current circumstances conflicts with public values and neutrality.
- Event
- Eurovision Song Contest 2026
- Country Allowed
- Israel
- Countries Boycotting
- Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland
- Reason for Boycott
- Israel's participation under current circumstances and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
- Broadcaster Statements
- Dutch and Spanish broadcasters cite incompatibility with public values
- Previous Ban
- Russia banned since Ukraine war start
- Eurovision Director
- Martin Green emphasizes need for unity in entertainment
- New Rules
- Rules to discourage government influence in the contest
Sources
Eurovision Allows Israel To Compete In 2026; Spain & The Netherlands Immediately Say They Will Boycott Competition
Israel cleared to stay in Eurovision Song Contest, Dutch quit competition
Israel cleared to stay in Eurovision; Spain, Ireland and others quit in protest
Why Israel's Eurovision 2026 Entry Has Triggered a Boycott by Ireland, Spain, Netherlands and Slovenia
Israel cleared to stay in Eurovision; Spain, Ireland and others quit in protest
At least 4 countries pull out of 2026 Eurovision contest as Israel’s participation sows discord
Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain to boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s inclusion