The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to take place this month, remains deeply controversial due to Israel's participation. Five countries, including Spain—one of the 'Big Five' nations automatically qualifying for the final—have withdrawn in protest. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, has faced calls to ban Israel for three consecutive years but has allowed the country to compete each time. This year, Israel is represented by singer Noam Bettan with his song 'Michelle'.
Allegations of genocide and political backlash
Israel's military actions in Gaza have been described as genocide by a UN commission, Amnesty International, and the International Association of Genocide Scholars. Israel denies these accusations. Explaining Spain's boycott, José Pablo López, chair of the Spanish radio and television corporation, stated: 'As joint organizers of Eurovision, we share collective responsibility. While Israel has regularly participated, the current genocide makes it impossible for us to look the other way.' He added that Eurovision is not apolitical and that Israel uses the event for international leverage.
EBU's inconsistent stance
The EBU has historically branded Eurovision as apolitical but banned Russia in 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine—though only after threats of a boycott. For Israel, the EBU has resisted a ban, despite similar pressure. Some speculate that sponsorship ties, notably with Israeli company Moroccanoil, influence the decision. Additionally, a counter-boycott threat from countries like Germany, which warned they would withdraw if Israel were banned, complicates matters.
In December 2025, the EBU's general assembly voted against reconsidering Israel's participation, instead introducing new rules to prevent voting manipulation. This followed claims that Israel encouraged expatriates to use multiple votes for its 2025 contestant. The EBU stated that a 'large majority' supported proceeding with the 2026 contest with additional safeguards.
Warning over vote solicitation
On 9 May 2026, Eurovision issued a formal warning to Israel's broadcaster Kan after it urged viewers to 'vote 10 times' for Bettan, violating rules against third-party campaigns. Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said Kan immediately removed the videos upon request. Kan responded that the campaign was not financed by any group. Bettan advanced from the first semi-final and competes in the grand final on 16 May in Vienna.
