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Eurovision at crossroads over Israel's participation
Organizers and broadcasters gather in Geneva on Thursday to decide whether Israel will remain in the annual song competition, as protests and diplomatic tensions escalate over its role in the Gaza war.
Divided nations threaten boycotts
Several countries, including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, have vowed to withdraw if Israel competes in next year's contest. Germany, however, has signaled it will pull out if Israel is excluded. The standoff has turned Eurovision-a traditionally apolitical event-into a flashpoint for geopolitical disputes.
Slovenia's public broadcaster, RTV, has already confirmed it will refuse to participate or air the contest if Israel remains. Natalija Gorščak, president of RTV's management board, told the BBC that while fans are disappointed, "we need to follow our principles." She added, "Sometimes we need to be on the right side of history."
Protests and voting controversies fuel debate
Recent contests have been marred by demonstrations against Israel's participation. During this year's final in Basel, two protesters attempted to storm the stage and throw paint at Israel's contestant, Yuval Raphael, before being stopped by security. Raphael ultimately finished second, winning the public vote but sparking accusations of unfair influence.
Critics claim Israel's government orchestrated a paid advertising campaign across Europe to boost votes for its entry. Israel has not directly addressed the allegations but has previously dismissed such claims as part of a "global smear campaign."
EBU tightens rules to address concerns
In response to the controversy, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced stricter voting regulations last month. Without naming Israel, the EBU said it would "discourage disproportionate promotion campaigns" backed by governments or third parties. New measures include limiting fans to 10 votes each (down from 20) and enhancing fraud detection for coordinated voting.
"We very much hope the package of measures will assure members that we have taken strong action to protect the neutrality and impartiality of the Song Contest."
European Broadcasting Union
The EBU's proposals will be presented to members, including outgoing BBC Director General Tim Davie, at Thursday's meeting. If the changes are deemed insufficient, a vote on Israel's future in the competition could follow.
Host nation and broadcasters weigh in
Austria, which will host the 2026 contest in Vienna, has defended Israel's inclusion. Roland Weissman, director general of Austrian broadcaster ORF, met with Israel's Eurovision team and President Isaac Herzog earlier this year, stating that Israel is "an inseparable part of Eurovision."
Spain, a major financial contributor to the contest, has taken the opposite stance. The president of Spanish broadcaster RTVE called Israel's participation "untenable," accusing the country of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel has repeatedly denied these allegations, while Hamas-run health authorities report over 70,000 deaths in the territory since the war began.
What's next?
A vote on Israel's exclusion was initially scheduled for November but was postponed after a temporary ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli broadcaster KAN has preemptively dismissed the debate as unjustified, asserting compliance with EBU rules. On Wednesday, KAN confirmed it is proceeding with preparations for the 2026 contest, regardless of the outcome.
Eurovision expert Paul Jordan described the situation as "a real crisis point," warning that there are "no winners" in the escalating dispute. The EBU's decision could determine whether the contest retains its unity-or fractures under political pressure.
