Iceland becomes newest country to boycott Eurovision over Israel's participation

Iceland joins Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands in boycotting event

Iceland has announced it will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, joining four other countries in boycotting the event due to Israel’s confirmed participation

The decision came from Iceland’s national broadcaster, RÚV, whose director-general, Stefan Eiriksson, said: “There is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now. On that basis, first and foremost, we are stepping back while the situation is as it is.”

RÚV cited disunity among European Broadcasting Union (EBU) members and public opinion as key factors influencing the withdrawal.

The broadcaster’s board approved the move hours before the deadline for confirming participation in what is expected to be the 70th anniversary edition of Eurovision next May. Iceland was believed to be the last country to make its decision.

Tensions around Israel’s participation have grown due to the ongoing war in Gaza and concerns about voting integrity, including allegations that Israel attempted to influence public voting at this year’s event. Although the EBU approved new measures to protect voting and campaigning processes, Iceland said these adjustments did not fully address its concerns.

Iceland had initially requested that Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, be excluded from Eurovision 2026 and sought a vote on the matter at the EBU general meeting. That request was denied, and Israel’s participation was instead linked to a ballot on the new rules.

RÚV stated that various Icelandic stakeholders, including artist associations and members of the public, opposed participation, emphasizing that the controversy has already damaged the contest’s reputation.

KAN CEO Golan Yochpaz criticized the boycott, calling it a cultural action that could set a concerning precedent. “A boycott may begin today with Israel, but no one knows where it will end or who else it may harm. Is this what we truly want this contest to be remembered for on its 70th anniversary?” he said.

Israel has participated in Eurovision since 1973, winning four times, most recently in 2018, and finishing second in 2025. Iceland, which has never won, came second in 1999 and 2009. Eurovision director Martin Green said the EBU respects each broadcaster’s decision and hopes to welcome them back in the future.