Following the recent Gaza ceasefire announcement, Eurovision’s organizing body has delayed its decision on Israel’s participation in the 2026 song contest.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had planned a special November vote after several countries—including Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia,and Spain—threatened to boycott next year’s competition in Vienna if Israel was invited. Belgium, Finland, Poland, and Sweden are also considering similar action.
The EBU said the matter will be discussed at its regular December assembly allowing for an open, in-person discussion—informed by the tense situation in the Middle East.
Austria—which will host the 70th edition of Eurovision—dismissed the boycott calls as “dumb and pointless,” while Germany accused critics of politicizing what is meant to be a cultural event. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have already disrupted the 2024 and 2025 contests in response to Israel’s participation.
