Countries, led by Spain, consider withdrawing from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest - reasons unveiled
In the lead-up to the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026, the event is facing a significant test of its unity as several countries have called for Israel's exclusion from the competition. The debate about Israel's participation has been ongoing for months, with Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia demanding Israel's exclusion and threatening to boycott if Israel participates.
The conflict in the Gaza Strip, triggered by a Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023, has been a significant factor in these efforts. The war resulted in the deaths of approximately 1200 people in Israel and more than 250 people, including children, being abducted in the Gaza Strip. According to figures from the Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 64,900 Palestinians, including many women and children, have been killed in the coastal region. These figures have been deemed credible by the UN.
Despite the boycott threats, Israel has announced its intention to participate in the ESC next year. The director of the Israeli television broadcaster Kan, Golan Jochpaz, has stated that Israel should continue to be an important part of the ESC. Israel and the EBU both view the ESC as an apolitical artistic event.
The EBU Director General Noel Curran has emphasised that the ESC is not a competition between governments. He has stated, "The Eurovision Song Contest is a celebration of music and culture, and it's not a political platform."
However, the political tensions surrounding Israel's participation have not been ignored. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has cited double standards in culture regarding Israel and Russia in relation to the ESC. He previously called for Israel's exclusion from the ESC due to military actions in the Gaza Strip. The Spanish broadcaster, RTVE, has threatened to withdraw from the ESC 2026 if Israel participates.
Demonstrations in support of Palestine have taken place at the ESC competitions in Malmo 2024 and Basel 2025. Prior to the ESC final, RTVE showed a message calling for "peace and justice for Palestine".
As the nearly 70-year history of the ESC approaches, the current debate about Israel's participation is a significant test of the contest's unity. It remains to be seen how the EBU will address the calls for Israel's exclusion and whether the contest will proceed as planned.
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