The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has decided to allow Israel to enter the Eurovision Song Contest, but Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia have all pulled out, Reuters reports.
The four countries that have withdrawn have raised concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza, marking one of the biggest clashes in Eurovision history. National broadcasters, which have announced plans to boycott the event if Israel takes part, have cited Israeli crimes against civilians and accused Israel of manipulating the contest to gain more votes. Israel, meanwhile, has accused critics of orchestrating an international smear campaign.
After a meeting in Geneva, the EBU decided not to hold a vote on Israel’s participation in the 2026 contest, stating that new rules have been introduced instead, aimed at avoiding government interference in the contest. Immediately after the EBU’s announcement, the Dutch, Spanish, Slovenian and Irish broadcasters announced that they were withdrawing from the contest, meaning that their musicians would not be participating in the event watched by millions of viewers around the world.
Eurovision expert Ben Robertson said that the unity of the contest was at its lowest point, adding that there had never been such a clear division among the EBU members.
Israel, for its part, welcomed the decision to allow it to participate in Eurovision.
Speaking about the countries that withdrew from the contest, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that it was a disgrace for these countries.
The Eurovision Song Contest dates back to 1956 and is watched by 160 million viewers. Israel’s participation has divided the member states of the contest, which has historically been embroiled in political issues.
Irish broadcaster RTE said that Irish participation seemed unthinkable, given the lives lost in Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, which continues to claim the lives of civilians.
Slovenia’s RTV said it had requested a secret ballot, along with Spain, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Turkey, Algeria and Iceland, but that it had not done so.
Iceland said it would make a decision on whether to participate on the 10th of December.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked the country’s supporters and said he hoped the song contest would continue to strengthen culture, music and friendship between the countries.
Germany has previously signaled it would pull out of the contest if Israel is not allowed to participate. German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer told Bild newspaper he welcomed the decision, saying Israel fits into Eurovision just as Germany fits into Europe.
Eurovision director Martin Green said EBU members had shown they wanted to protect the contest’s neutrality.
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