"Spain, one of the 'big five' countries, has been particularly vocal over the competition this year. It's the first time since 2011 that the country won't be in attendance at Eurovision. The country will not broadcast this year's contest, either. President of Spanish broadcaster RTVE, José Pablo López, explicitly rejected Eurovision's claim to be apolitical, saying that the Israeli government leverages the event on the international stage."
"RTÉ announced it would neither compete in or broadcast the event, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and concerns over the targeted killing of journalists. In a statement released in December, RTÉ said Ireland's participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk. Instead of airing the contest, regularly scheduled programming will take its place."
"Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS stated they "can no longer justify Israel's participation with the continued and serious human suffering in Gaza". CEO Taco Zimmerman wrote that while the Eurovision Song Contest is incredibly valuable to them, culture unites but not at all costs, and universal values like humanity and a free press have been seriously violated and are non-negotiable. The broadcaster also raised concerns about Israeli government interference in previous contests' voting outcomes."
"Iceland's participation became "uncertain" after initially planning to hold its traditional national final 'Söngv"
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna will have 35 competing countries, the smallest turnout since 2003, due to the largest boycott since 1970. Five countries are withdrawing over Israel’s participation. Spain will not attend and will not broadcast the contest, rejecting Eurovision’s claim of being apolitical and saying the Israeli government uses the event internationally. Ireland will neither compete nor broadcast, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and concerns about targeted killing of journalists. The Netherlands will not justify Israel’s participation due to continued serious human suffering in Gaza, and it raises concerns about Israeli government interference in voting outcomes. Iceland’s participation became uncertain after plans for its national final were disrupted.
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