The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have confirmed Israel will compete in the 2026 edition, a decision that has immediately triggered a political boycott from four European nations. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced the move on Thursday, 4 December 2025, maintaining its stance that the event is a non-political cultural competition.
Nations Withdraw in Protest Over Gaza War
In a significant rupture to the contest's unity, the national broadcasters of Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have declared they will neither participate in nor broadcast the 2026 contest. Their coordinated withdrawal is a direct protest against Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Official statements from the boycotting broadcasters pointed to the 'appalling loss of lives in Gaza', severe humanitarian conditions, and the targeting of journalists as the core reasons for their unprecedented action. This marks one of the most substantial political protests in the contest's recent history.
BBC and UK Government Voice Support for Inclusion
In contrast, the BBC has publicly backed the EBU's decision to include Israel. The UK's national broadcaster, alongside the Conservative Party, argued that the Eurovision stage should serve as a bridge between cultures, not a platform for political disputes.
A key supporter of the contest, Germany, had previously signalled it would not take part if Israel were excluded. This position draws a parallel with the decision to ban Russia from Eurovision in 2022 following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the EBU's complex navigation of geopolitics.
Contest Faces Unprecedented Division
The 2026 contest is now poised to proceed under a cloud of controversy and without several regular participants. The situation underscores the intense pressure on cultural institutions to respond to international conflicts, balancing artistic unity with ethical and political concerns.
With the formal announcements made, the focus will shift to how the EBU manages the practical and diplomatic fallout in the lead-up to the event, and whether other nations will join the growing boycott.
