"The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on Thursday, December 4th, that all members who "wish to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and agree to comply with the new rules" are eligible to take part next year. In response, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have all withdrawn from the competition, with Iceland expected to follow suit. Spain's RTVE said in a press release that its board of directors "agreed last September that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision if Israel participated.""
"Ireland's RTÉ stated that Israel'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." Israel has historically been allowed to compete in Eurovision despite being located outside of Europe because its public broadcaster, KAN, is a member of the EBU. Israel has won the competition four times since first entering in 1973."
The EBU announced that members who wish to participate in Eurovision 2026 and agree to the new rules are eligible. Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia have withdrawn, with Iceland expected to follow. Spain's RTVE said its board agreed last September that Spain would withdraw if Israel participated. Ireland's RTÉ described Israel's participation as unconscionable given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel competes as EBU member KAN and has won Eurovision four times since 1973. The participation has been contentious amid the Israel–Hamas war, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting large numbers of casualties. Eurovision 2026 is scheduled for 16 May in Vienna.
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