Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest is under scrutiny as member broadcasters gather in Geneva for a two-day meeting starting on November 2, 2023. The discussions follow escalating calls from several countries to exclude Israel from the event due to its military actions in Gaza.
Countries such as Iceland, Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands have threatened to withdraw from the 2026 contest if Israel is allowed to participate. Other nations, including Belgium, Finland, and Sweden, are also contemplating a boycott. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS emphasized its stance by citing “serious violations of press freedom” in Gaza, accusing Israel of interfering with voting during the last Eurovision edition, where it secured second place.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the contest, had originally intended to hold a vote on the matter in November. However, following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas on October 10, the EBU postponed the decision until its general assembly on December 4-5. In an effort to mitigate tensions, the EBU recently updated its voting rules to enhance “trust and transparency,” prompting broadcasters to reassess the sufficiency of these measures.
Calls for Boycott Intensify
As the meeting unfolds, broadcasters will consider whether the new regulations are adequate or if a vote on Israel’s participation is still necessary. The ORF, Austria’s public broadcaster and host for the 2026 contest, hopes for a consensus that would allow for maximum participation. Conversely, broadcasters from Iceland, Spain, and Slovenia have expressed dissatisfaction with the EBU’s changes.
Iceland’s RUV stated its intention to advocate for Israel’s expulsion from the competition before confirming its own participation. Spain’s public broadcaster, RTVE, reaffirmed its commitment to boycott if Israel is included, with RTVE president Jose Pablo Lopez stating, “Israel has politically used the contest, has tried to influence the outcome, and has not been sanctioned for this conduct.”
Slovenia’s public broadcaster, RTV Slovenija, has indicated it will not allocate funds for the contest unless a vote excludes Israel. Chief Natasa Gorscak noted that if a vote takes place and results in Israel’s exclusion, Slovenia would then propose its participation.
Past Precedents and Future Implications
The EBU’s decision to amend voting protocols follows a trend observed in recent Eurovision contests. Israeli acts have received minimal support from professional juries, while public votes have propelled them to higher rankings. For instance, Eden Golan rose to fifth place in the 2024 contest in Malmö, Sweden, while Yuval Raphael achieved second place in Basel, Switzerland, this year.
Should Israel be barred from the contest, it would not be without precedent. The EBU excluded Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, while Belarus was removed from participation a year earlier due to its disputed presidential election.
As the Eurovision community navigates these contentious discussions, the outcome could significantly impact the future of the contest and its member nations. The next steps will be closely watched as broadcasters assess the implications of Israel’s potential participation in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
