"The decision came after a vote on whether Israel should be able to compete in next year's contest due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and concerns about unfair voting. The UK's BBC was among around 50 broadcasters which attended a meeting of the European Broadcasting UNION (EBU) on Thursday (4 December) on the future of the show. Some countries had already shown support to Israel's participation, including Germany, who had threatened they would pull out if Israel was barred."
"Since the war in Gaza started, a number of Eurovision entrants have voiced their concern over Israel still being included. Meanwhile, there have been allegations that last year's Israel entry, Yuval Raphael, received unfair boosts in the vote. New voting rules were brought in to try and make sure things were kept fair, however after it was confirmed via a vote that Israel could stay in the competition, a number of countries confirmed they would not be taking part next year."
"As of now, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia have pulled out. Others, including Belgium and Iceland, have not yet made their final decisions. Ireland's RTÉ said they would not take part due to the "loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis" which is ongoing. Slovenia said: "As a public service broadcaster, RTV Slovenia is committed to upholding ethical principles and expects that equal rules and standards apply to all EBU members and all participating countries.""
Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands have withdrawn from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after an EBU vote confirmed Israel could participate despite the Gaza conflict. Broadcasters cited humanitarian concerns, ethical principles, and worries about voting fairness following allegations that last year’s Israeli entry received unfair boosts. New voting rules were implemented but did not prevent the confirmation of Israel's participation. Around 50 broadcasters, including the BBC and Germany, attended the EBU meeting. Belgium and Iceland have not yet finalized decisions. Spain had previously threatened to pull out if Israel remained in the contest. The BBC currently has no plans to withdraw.
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