"The response on Thursday came immediately after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs the competition, said there would not be a vote on whether to exclude Israel, despite calls from some countries to do so. list of 4 itemsend of list Opponents of Israel's participation criticise it over its genocidal war on Palestinians in Gaza which has so far killed at least 70,125 people and over allegations that it unfairly intervened in the most recent competition to the benefit of its entrant."
"In a statement which cleared Israel to take part, the EBU said on Thursday that its members had shown clear support for reforms to reinforce trust and protect [the] neutrality of the contest. The changes, which include the reintroduction of an expanded professional jury at the semifinal stage, aim to discourage governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to sway voters. In response to Israel's inclusion, the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said that under the current circumstances, participation cannot be reconciled with the public values that are fundamental to our organisation. It has accused Israel of proven interference in last year's contest while also noting its serious violation of press freedom during the Gaza war."
Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will not participate in Eurovision 2026 following the EBU decision not to hold a vote on excluding Israel. Broadcasters cited Israel's conduct in the Gaza war, allegations of interference in the previous contest, and violations of press freedom as reasons for withdrawal. The EBU cleared Israel to take part and announced reforms intended to reinforce trust and protect contest neutrality, including reintroducing an expanded professional jury at the semifinal stage to discourage disproportionate promotion of songs. The boycotts reflect political and humanitarian objections and will affect the Vienna contest lineup.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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