Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, Netherlands Boycott Eurovision in Protest of Israel’s Inclusion
The Eurovision Song Contest is witnessing significant backlash from several nations over Israel’s participation. Broadcasters from Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have collectively announced their boycott of the 2026 contest. This decision stems from ongoing humanitarian concerns in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.
Countries Boycotting Eurovision
The following countries have declared their intent to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest:
- Ireland
- Spain
- Slovenia
- The Netherlands
National broadcasters expressed their concerns clearly. The Netherlands’ AVROTROS highlighted “humanitarian suffering in Gaza” and questioned the political neutrality of the contest. Ireland’s RTÉ described participation as “unconscionable” given the humanitarian crisis. Spain’s RTVE criticized Israel’s utilization of the contest for political leverage, saying it undermines Eurovision’s cultural integrity.
Reactions to the Boycott
Despite a call to ban Israel from the contest, no formal vote took place during the recent meeting of broadcasters. Austria, hosting the 2024 event, backed Israel’s continued involvement.
Israeli broadcaster KAN stated that discussions had taken place to uphold Israel’s participation, with support from President Isaac Herzog. He expressed gratitude to “friends who stood up for Israel,” emphasizing cultural cooperation.
Germany’s broadcaster SWR expressed disappointment over the boycott but stated that no vote was necessary for Israel’s inclusion and welcomed upcoming rule changes.
Rule Changes and Voting Manipulation Concerns
In response to voting manipulation fears, Eurovision organizers are implementing new rules. Notably, they will limit votes per payment method to a maximum of 10. This change aims to prevent coordinated campaigns and ensure fairer results.
Martin Green, the contest’s director, stressed the need to enforce existing rules to prevent misuse of the contest. Concerns about government-backed voting promotion, such as campaigns encouraging multiple votes for artists, have spurred these changes.
Background on Israel’s Participation
Israel has been part of the Eurovision since 1973. Its eligibility stems from membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Participation has faced increased scrutiny since the renewed conflicts in Gaza, and public sentiment has shifted towards calls for Israeli boycotts amid rising tensions.
In the last contest, Israel’s entrant Yuval Raphael performed notably well in public voting, despite lower scores from industry juries. This disparity raises questions about the voting dynamics within Eurovision.
As the contest enters its 70th year, the situation remains fluid, with speculation that more participant countries may withdraw. A final list of participating nations is expected by Christmas 2023.
