"The board of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which brings together public broadcasters and runs the event, has sent a letter to members indicating that the vote will take place at an extraordinary general meeting held online in early November, spokesman Dave Goodman said. The vote would be on whether Kan, the Israeli public broadcaster and member of the EBU, would participate, Mr Goodman said in an email. An "absolute majority" in the vote would be required for an exclusion to pass, he said."
"Countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain have threatened not to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel is excluded from the competition over the war in Gaza. Eurovision is a competition in which performers from countries across Europe, and a few beyond it, compete under their national flags with the aim of being crowned continental champion - a sort of Olympics of pop music. It is also a place where politics and regional rivalries play out."
An extraordinary online EBU meeting in early November will include a vote on whether Kan, Israel's public broadcaster and EBU member, may participate. An absolute majority will be required to exclude Kan. Several countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain, have threatened to boycott Eurovision if Israel is not excluded over the Gaza war. Eurovision brings performers from across Europe and some beyond to compete under national flags and often reflects political and regional tensions. Organisers previously required Israel to change lyrics in 2024. Germany and Austria back Israel while others have not decided, and experts warn of deep division.
Read at Irish Independent
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