Eurovision weighs Israel’s participation amidst threats of boycott

Israel’s participation in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest will be discussed on Thursday (4 December), as the organising body, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) meet in Geneva to consider whether the country can compete amid threats from some nations to withdraw over the ongoing Gaza war.

The meeting will also address new rules designed to discourage governments from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voting, following allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant this year.

Israel, which finished second in the 2023 contest, has not responded to the accusations but has claimed it is the target of a global smear campaign.

Eurovision expert Paul Jordan described the situation as a "watershed moment," with public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands threatening to boycott the May 2026 event in Austria if Israel is allowed to compete.

Critics cite the high Palestinian death toll in Gaza, as a key reason for opposition. 

The EBU stated that if members are not convinced the new neutrality rules are adequate, a vote on Israel’s participation will follow.

Germany’s Minister of State for Culture, Wolfram Weimer, expressed strong support for Israel, stating that Germany should not participate if Israel is excluded.

“Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC),” he said.

“There must be no ESC without Israel,” he added.

Austrian broadcaster ORF also supports Israel’s participation, while German broadcaster ARD has not commented.

Israeli public broadcaster KAN is preparing for the 2026 contest and will soon announce changes to its selection process. KAN also plans to present its stance on possible disqualification during Thursday's meeting.

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