The BBC has refused to rule out the possibility of boycotting Eurovision 2026 if Israel takes part, even while repeatedly stressing that the contest should remain above politics.
In response to questions from The Jewish Chronicle, a BBC spokesperson said: “We are aware of the various views and concerns which have been expressed in recent days in relation to next year’s Eurovision. At this stage, we will continue to be part of the discussions, led by the European Broadcasting Union, with other members and broadcasters.” They added: “Eurovision has never been led by politics, it has been—and is—a celebration of music and culture that brings people together from across the world.”
That same emphasis was echoed by BBC Director General Tim Davie, who told Parliament’s public accounts committee earlier this week that the corporation is “aware of the concerns” but insisted that Eurovision has “never been about politics.” Davie said the BBC would “work with” the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which will make a final decision in December.
Despite these statements, the corporation has not excluded the possibility of withdrawing if Israel is included, highlighting the tension between its stated neutrality and the political realities of the controversy. Davie, who sits on the EBU’s executive board, maintained that for now, the BBC is “supportive of the European Broadcast Union’s work” and that it is “really important that we try to preserve” Eurovision’s celebratory element.
The BBC’s position comes amid a growing wave of boycott threats from other national broadcasters. Ireland’s RTE has already declared that it will not take part if Israel is included, saying participation would be “unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.” Broadcasters in the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland, and Spain have also threatened to withdraw over Israel’s participation.
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green acknowledged the scale of the divisions, saying: “We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. We are still consulting with all EBU Members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Eurovision Song Contest. Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna. It is up to each member to decide if they want to take part in the contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make.”
Jewish advocacy groups have also intervened, warning against exclusion. Campaign Against Antisemitism argued on X that “Eurovision is supposed to be a celebration of togetherness, using music to bring nations closer. Excluding the world’s only Jewish state represents the antithesis of this sentiment.” The group pointed to safety concerns already faced by Israelis and Jews attending the contest earlier this year, noting that Israel’s National Security Council advised visitors to Switzerland “to avoid displaying Israeli and Jewish symbols in public” for their own protection.
Campaign Against Antisemitism also highlighted that “more than four-fifths (84%) of British Jews agree that boycotts of Israeli artists, academics or businesses selling Israeli products constitute intimidation.” The organisation warned that “when antisemitism is at record levels, capitulating to those who hate the world’s only Jewish state does nothing to help.”
