Eurovision 2026 Faces Boycott Crisis as Broadcasters Demand Israel’s Exclusion Over Gaza War

 

Eurovision 2026 is embroiled in its most severe political crisis yet, with broadcasters from the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, and Iceland threatening to withdraw if Israel is allowed to compete. The Netherlands’ AVROTROS announced on September 12, 2025, that participation is “not possible” while Israel is admitted, citing incompatibility with public broadcasting values amid the Gaza conflict. 

 Ireland’s RTÉ followed suit, stating it will not join the contest if Israel participates, highlighting the “appalling loss of lives” and targeting of journalists. 

 Slovenia’s RTVSLO and Iceland’s RÚV have also conditioned their involvement on Israel’s exclusion, while Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun urged RTVE to pull out to avoid normalizing Israel’s role. 

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The backlash, rooted in Gaza’s high civilian casualties, journalist deaths, and media access restrictions, has intensified pressure on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to address the contest’s unity message. Political leaders and activists, including over 70 former contestants who signed an open letter for Israel’s ban, have amplified calls for accountability. 

 With the event set for May 2026 in Vienna, Austria, multiple withdrawals could diminish its cultural and commercial appeal, echoing past controversies like Russia’s 2022 exclusion but risking an unprecedented splintering of participants