Eurovision could vote on Israel’s involvement as more countries threaten boycott
Eurovision to make Israel decision following boycott threats
- The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is set to consider a vote on Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.
- This follows threats from several nations, including Slovenia, Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands, to boycott the event if Israel is not excluded due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
- EBU members will first discuss new rules aimed at preventing undue influence on voting outcomes, with a vote on participation to occur if these measures are deemed insufficient.
- The controversy is fuelled by the escalating Palestinian death toll in Gaza and past allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant in this year's contest.
- Experts have described the situation as a 'watershed moment' for Eurovision, with potential impacts on audience figures and sponsorship, while Israeli broadcasters maintain their full compliance with EBU rules.