"The board of the EBU, an umbrella organisation for public broadcasters that 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, a spokesperson said. The vote will be on whether Kan, the Israeli public broadcaster and member of the EBU, will participate, the spokesperson said. An absolute majority would be required for an exclusion to pass, he said."
"Countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain have demanded that the EBU exclude Israel, citing as a precedent its decision to remove Russia from the show following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. During the past two editions of the competition, the event has been drawn into the controversy over Israel's devastating war in Gaza, which has now killed more than 65,000 people. Pro-Palestinian activists protested in Malmo, Sweden, in 2024 and in Basel, Switzerland in May over Israel's participation in the contest."
"Last week, Spain threatened to boycott the competition the world's largest live televised music event that takes place in May if Israel takes part. Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands have made similar threats. Germany and Austria have backed Israel's participation. Other countries, such as Belgium, Sweden, and Finland, are also considering a boycott and have until December to decide."
EBU members will vote online in early November on whether Kan, the Israeli public broadcaster, will participate in Eurovision 2026. An absolute majority would be required to exclude Kan. Countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain have demanded Israel's exclusion, citing the precedent of Russia's removal in 2022. Pro-Palestinian protests occurred in Malmo in 2024 and in Basel in May. A United Nations Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, where more than 65,000 people were killed. Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands have threatened boycotts; Germany and Austria back participation. Belgium, Sweden and Finland are considering boycotts and have until December to decide.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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