The Eurovision Song Contest has been plunged into a deepening crisis, with Belgium and Iceland poised to join a growing boycott over Israel's continued participation in the competition. This follows the confirmed withdrawal of Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia from the 2026 contest in Vienna.
Broadcasters Withdraw in Protest
The decision by the four nations came after members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided on Thursday not to call a vote on Israel's participation. Public broadcasters from the countries cited the ongoing war in Gaza as the reason for their withdrawal, arguing it conflicts with the event's intended spirit of unity.
Irish broadcaster RTE stated that Ireland's participation "remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and humanitarian crisis". Similarly, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said participation "cannot be reconciled with the public values that are fundamental to our organisation".
Spain's RTVE secretary general, Alfonso Morales, argued that "the use of the contest for political goals by Israel, make it increasingly difficult to keep Eurovision a neutral cultural event". Slovenia's broadcaster echoed this, with board chairwoman Natalija Gorščak stating their message was clear: "we will not participate... if Israel is there. On behalf of the 20,000 children who died in Gaza."
More Countries May Follow Suit
The boycott is now expected to widen. Belgian broadcaster VRT has expressed regret that the EBU is "not doing more to restore the unifying nature of the song contest" and has yet to confirm its attendance. Iceland, the only Nordic country casting doubt, will make its final decision next week.
This development follows previous indications from Finland and Sweden that they would consider dropping out, though they will not boycott the 2026 contest. Norway's NRK said it does not engage in boycotts, while Denmark's DR stated it believes the event is a cultural unifier and would not support Israel's removal as long as it complies with rules. Germany has indicated it would pull out only if Israel is excluded.
EBU Implements New Rules Amid Controversy
The pullouts occurred after EBU members voted to adopt tougher voting rules. This was in response to allegations of vote manipulation by Israel during the 2025 contest, where its contestant, October 7 survivor Yuval Raphael, finished second despite receiving only 60 points from juries. She was booed and faced a stage invasion attempt during the final in Basel.
Broadcasters from several countries had requested audits of their national televoting results. There were also reports that an Israeli government agency had paid for adverts to encourage votes for its entry.
In response, the EBU stated that a "large majority of members" agreed no further vote on participation was needed. New rules for 2026 will limit fans to ten votes each and reintroduce juries to the semi-finals, aiming to discourage disproportionate promotion of songs. The EBU said these reforms had "clear support" to reinforce trust and protect neutrality.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the decision, saying Israel "deserves to be represented on every stage". Foreign Minister Gideon Saar slammed the boycotting countries, stating "The disgrace is upon them." In the UK, Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston said it was "absolutely right" for Israel to participate and called the boycotts "deeply concerning".
The contest, watched by around 150 million viewers globally, strives to be non-political but has been repeatedly embroiled in controversy over the Gaza war. Austria, the 2026 host, along with Australia and France, have confirmed they will not withdraw. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger warned that boycotting would "deepen the discord" without improving the situation in Gaza.
