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Key Points
- The European Broadcasting Union confirmed Israel will be allowed to participate in Eurovision 2026.
- In response, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia announced their withdrawal from the contest.
- The EBU has introduced new rules to limit government and third-party influence on the contest.
The Eurovision Song Contest has never seen such a contentious split among its member broadcasters, according to the contest organizer. The recent announcement comes amidst heightened tensions and deeply held views on the ongoing war in the Middle East, both locally and internationally. These concerns are resonating strongly within the European Broadcasting Union.
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has expressed respect for the diverse opinions and significant concerns surrounding the conflict. An SBS spokesperson highlighted the broadcaster’s commitment to providing Australians with comprehensive, reliable, and neutral reporting across its platforms, ensuring audiences remain informed during these challenging times.
In response to the contest’s recent developments, several broadcasters from the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have decided to withdraw. This means that representatives from these nations will not take part in the popular event, which annually captivates millions of viewers across the globe.
Meanwhile, Iceland’s public broadcaster, RUV, has indicated that its board is set to make a decision by Wednesday on whether they will participate in the upcoming Eurovision event slated to take place in Vienna next May.
Israel’s involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest has sparked considerable debate, mirroring the competition’s history of being intertwined with national disputes, international controversies, and political voting patterns.
Icelandic public broadcaster RUV said its board will decide on Wednesday whether to participate in the next Eurovision, which will be held in Vienna in May.
Controversy over Israel’s participation in Eurovision
Israel’s participation has divided opinion in the competition, which has a history of entanglement in national rivalries, international issues, and political voting.
“Eurovision was born from the ashes of the Second World War,” he said. “It was designed to bring us together, and it will hit bumps in the road, and we have a complicated world, but we hope it’s a temporary situation, and we’ll move forward.”
Israel welcomes EBU decision
“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, music, friendship between nations, and cross-border cultural understanding,” he said.
