"It is the fifth country to confirm that it will not participate in the singing competition as a result of Israel's participation, joining Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia. Prior to the announcement, Iceland's minister for media, Logi Einarsson, told RUV that he would consider it "unfortunate" if Iceland participated alongside Israel. Russia was banned from Eurovision after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 but Israel has continued to compete for the past couple of years despite international condemnation of its war in Gaza."
"In September, Ireland joined Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia in threatening to withdraw unless Israel was excluded over the war. The boycott began earlier this month after members attended a European Broadcasting Union (EBU) general assembly in Geneva to vote on changes which included new rules to deter countries organising campaigns for their acts, following concerns around the number of public votes Israel received in 2025."
A fifth country confirmed it will not participate in the singing contest because of Israel's participation, joining Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia. Iceland's minister for media, Logi Einarsson, said he would consider it "unfortunate" if Iceland participated alongside Israel. Russia was banned from Eurovision after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, while Israel has continued to compete despite international condemnation of its war in Gaza. The boycott followed an EBU general assembly in Geneva that approved rule changes to deter organised voting campaigns and waived a separate vote on Israel's participation. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael won the public vote in 2025 but finished runner-up after jury scores. After the 2025 contest RTÉ requested a breakdown of voting, Spain's RTVE called for a complete review, and RTÉ said it will not broadcast or take part.
Read at Irish Independent
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