Israel is set to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest next year despite previous controversies surrounding the 2024 and 2025 events. On December 4, organizers and participating nations deliberated over Israel’s handling of its conflict with Gaza and accusations of biased voting practices. However, sources indicate that a decision was reached to allow Israel’s continued involvement in the competition.

The Netherlands has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming contest, making the announcement via social media. Additionally, countries such as Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have expressed intentions to boycott the event if Israel remains a participant. In contrast, Germany has stated it would abstain from competing should Israel be excluded. These developments occur amidst ongoing protests against Israel at recent editions of the contest.

During the 2025 grand finale, hosted in Basel, Switzerland, the event was briefly disrupted when two individuals attempted to rush the stage to target Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael with paint.

According to Reuters, members of the European Broadcasting Union opted not to hold a formal vote on Israel’s participation, effectively granting their entry. Additionally, members overwhelmingly supported the introduction of new guidelines aimed at preventing governments and external parties from excessively influencing voting outcomes, following allegations that Israel engaged in such practices in 2025.

The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has confirmed its decision to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, stating: “We will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.”

“This decision follows a careful and extensive deliberation process in which we consulted a broad range of stakeholders: from the Israeli ambassador to Amnesty International, from the EBU to several European public broadcasters, as well as out own Association Council, Works Council, Supervisory Board and the many thousands of Eurovision fans who reached out to us.

“After weighing all perspectives, AVROTROS concludes that, under the current circumstances, participation cannot be reconciled with the public values that are fundamental to our organisation.” 

Ireland has also confirmed it will not participate in 2026. 

It issued a statement to say: “Following today’s EBU Winter General Assembly in Geneva at which Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTÉ’s position remains unchanged. RTÉ will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition.

“RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk. RTÉ remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denial of access to international journalists to the territory.”

Spain has also confirmed it will not be in the contest next year.