Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain will skip the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after organizers cleared Israel to take part.
The four broadcasters announced their withdrawal Thursday, moments after the European Broadcasting Union said it would not hold a vote on Israel’s eligibility. Several nations had pressed for Israel’s exclusion over the war in Gaza, CBC reported. (RELATED: ‘Fans The Flames Of Hatred’: DHS Spokeswoman Slams ‘Hanks’ Star’s Anti-ICE Speech)
Eurovision, which usually pulls more than 100 million viewers, has been marred by political tension for two consecutive years.
BREAKING: At least four countries intend to boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, after the Eurovision Broadcasting Union announced Israel will compete.
Sky’s Katie Spencer reports.https://t.co/kGfKgPo7Uy
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/u6Z99gBYKI
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 4, 2025
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said Israel’s participation “cannot be reconciled with the public values that are fundamental to our organisation,” according to CBC.
Ireland’s RTÉ pointed to “the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and humanitarian crisis,” while Slovenia’s broadcaster said it was acting “on behalf of the 20,000 children who died in Gaza,” the outlet reported.
Spanish Secretary General Alfonso Morales added that the Gaza situation, despite a ceasefire and a peace process underway, and Israel’s “use of the contest for political goals,” makes it harder to treat Eurovision as a neutral cultural event.
Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world, a cause to which I am fully and actively committed. I am pleased that Israel will once again participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, and I hope that the competition will remain one that champions culture,…
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) December 4, 2025
Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the ruling, writing on X that “Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world.” He thanked supporters who “stood up for Israel’s right to continue to contribute and compete at Eurovision.”
The 70th contest is set for May in Vienna.
