Eurovision 2026: Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia withdraw amid Israel’s participation

Several European public broadcasters have confirmed they will withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after Israel was permitted to participate, marking a significant political rupture within an event traditionally framed as a celebration of music.

Broadcasters in Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia announced their decisions following a meeting of the European Broadcasting Union in Geneva, where concerns about Israel’s conduct in the Gaza crisis and its alleged influence on previous contest voting were discussed.

Delegates approved stricter voting rules aimed at addressing claims that Israel had manipulated support for its contestants, although no broadcaster was excluded from the competition. The developments follow two years in which the genocide in Gaza has shaped the contest’s atmosphere, prompting demonstrations and tighter restrictions around political displays at venues.

Further withdrawals are predicted amid heightened tensions as the contest’s 70th anniversary in Vienna approaches. Iceland’s broadcaster is due to meet next week to review its own position.

Broadcasters that chose to withdraw cited humanitarian concerns, the deaths of journalists in Gaza and Israel’s restrictions on international media access. Ireland’s RTÉ said participation was “unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” while Spain’s RTVE argued that Israel’s use of the contest for political purposes had undermined its neutrality. AVROTROS in the Netherlands said Israel’s inclusion was incompatible with its responsibilities as a public broadcaster.

Israel’s broadcaster KAN rejected allegations of prohibited campaigning, noting that Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael placed second at the 2025 contest in Basel. Support for Israel’s participation came from Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

The withdrawals could affect audience numbers and finances, particularly as several returning countries prepare for the 2026 event.