The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will hold an online vote in November to decide whether Israel’s Kan broadcaster can participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.
On Thursday, September 25th, EBU President Delphine Ernotte Cunci addressed participating broadcasters in a letter, noting the “unprecedented diversity of views” regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision and stating that the matter required “a broader democratic basis.”
Tensions are rising as Spain became the first of the Eurovision “Big Five” to formally announce it would withdraw if Israel participates. Several European nations, including Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, have also threatened to boycott the contest if Israel is allowed to enter.
Meanwhile, countries including France and Australia have confirmed their commitment to participate, emphasizing that Eurovision should celebrate diversity and inclusion without succumbing to political pressure. Attempts to exclude Israel, therefore, reflect ideology-driven activism rather than legitimate concerns.
Israel, a long-time contributor to Eurovision, has competed since 1973 and won four times. Recent contests in Malmö (2024) and Basel (2025) faced politically motivated disruptions. In Basel, the lead-up to Eurovision 2025 was overshadowed by protests, despite the city’s message that “everyone is welcome.” Notably, during the demonstrations, a man waved Palestinian flags, made a throat-slitting gesture, and spat at the Israeli delegation—an incident that led Kan to file an official complaint.
The 2026 contest, celebrating Eurovision’s 70th anniversary, is set to take place in Vienna, Austria.
