Eurovision Faces Boycott as Four Countries Withdraw Over Israel’s Participation

At least four countries have announced their withdrawal from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest following the decision by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to allow Israel to participate. The contest, which is set to take place in Vienna in May, has become a focal point for political tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

On Thursday, both Spain and the Netherlands confirmed their decisions to boycott the event. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS stated that Israel’s participation “is no longer compatible with the responsibility we bear as a public broadcaster.” Similarly, Spain’s state broadcaster RTVE expressed its concerns, with Secretary General Alfonso Morales stating during the EBU’s general assembly that there were “serious doubts” regarding the inclusion of Israeli broadcaster KAN in the competition.

The EBU’s recent vote to allow Israel’s participation comes amid significant political unrest. According to reports, some EBU members raised concerns during the assembly about potential voting manipulation by Israel and its military actions in Gaza. The new voting rules, adopted to enhance “transparency and trust,” have failed to assuage the worries of several member countries, leading to the immediate backlash.

Political Tensions Erupt in Eurovision

The Eurovision Song Contest, which has been held for 70 years, traditionally aims to showcase musical talent without political interference. Yet, it has faced challenges in recent years, particularly regarding Russia’s expulsion in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has added new layers of complexity, drawing protests from pro-Palestinian groups during the last two contests held in Switzerland and Sweden.

Countries such as Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia, and now Spain and the Netherlands have expressed their willingness to withdraw if Israel remains in the competition. The war in Gaza has reportedly resulted in over 70,000 fatalities, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas governance. Israel’s government, in turn, defends its military actions as necessary responses to attacks initiated by Hamas.

Implications of the Boycott

The potential for a significant boycott carries implications not only for the contest itself but also for viewership and financial stability. Eurovision expert Dean Vuletic emphasized that a boycott from any EU member state would be unprecedented, as these nations are generally seen as upholding democratic values.

This year’s contest is expected to draw more than 100 million viewers, making the fallout from a boycott particularly impactful. Countries like Spain, a key contributor among the “Big Five” Eurovision nations, and Ireland, which holds a record seven wins, are integral to the contest’s success.

“As it stands, there are no winners here,” said Paul Jordan, an expert on Eurovision. He lamented the shift from the event’s unifying spirit to a politically charged atmosphere. “It’s meant to be joyous and about bringing people together despite our politics, but unfortunately, it has become a political football,” he added.

With tensions rising and several nations reconsidering their involvement, the future of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest remains uncertain as it navigates the intersection of music and geopolitics.