What's happened
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will hold an online vote in early November to decide whether Israel's broadcaster KAN will participate in Eurovision 2026, amid mounting calls for a boycott over Israel's war in Gaza. Several countries threaten to withdraw if Israel is allowed to compete.
What's behind the headline?
The decision to hold a vote on Israel's participation underscores Eurovision's deepening political divide. The EBU's acknowledgment of 'unprecedented diversity of views' signals a potential shift from its traditional stance of cultural neutrality. Countries threatening to boycott, such as Spain and Ireland, are leveraging the contest's global visibility to protest Israel's actions in Gaza, which has resulted in over 65,000 deaths. The vote's outcome will likely set a precedent for how international cultural events handle politicized conflicts. If Israel is excluded, it could deepen divisions within the EBU and impact future editions, especially as other countries consider similar actions. Conversely, allowing Israel to participate risks alienating pro-Palestinian supporters and further politicizing the event, which has historically been a platform for unity. The contest's future will depend on whether the EBU prioritizes cultural diplomacy or adheres to its principles of inclusiveness and neutrality.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that the EBU will hold an online vote in early November on Israel's participation, amid threats from countries like Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands to boycott if Israel is allowed to compete. The article highlights the controversy over Israel's war in Gaza and the pressure from some European nations to exclude Israel, citing press freedom concerns and alleged interference in previous contests. Al Jazeera confirms the vote will require an 'absolute majority' for exclusion, with countries like Germany and Austria supporting Israel's participation. The Guardian emphasizes the historic nature of this crisis for Eurovision, noting the potential for division within the organization and comparing it to past exclusions of Russia and Belarus. The Times of Israel details the procedural aspects, including the simple majority needed for exclusion and Israel's hope to maintain its 'cultural and apolitical' stance. All sources agree that the decision reflects a broader debate about politics and culture in Eurovision, with significant implications for the contest's future and its role as a symbol of unity.
How we got here
The Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for Vienna in May 2026, has faced increasing political controversy due to Israel's participation amid the Gaza conflict. Calls for exclusion have grown, with some countries threatening to boycott, citing Israel's military actions and press restrictions. The EBU, which oversees the event, has historically excluded countries like Russia and Belarus for political reasons. The upcoming vote reflects the contest's ongoing struggle to balance cultural neutrality with political realities.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Is Eurovision Controversial This Year? What’s Behind the Boycotts?
Eurovision has long been a celebration of music and culture, but recent events have sparked controversy and political debates. With some countries threatening to boycott the 2026 contest over Israel's participation, many are wondering what’s really going on. In this page, we explore the reasons behind the controversy, the impact of the Gaza conflict on European cultural events, and what this means for international relations and the future of Eurovision.
More on these topics
-
The European Broadcasting Union is an alliance of public service media organisations, established on 12 February 1950. The organisation is made up of 115 member organisations in 56 countries, and 34 associate members from a further 21 countries.
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked East Alpine country in the southern part of Central Europe. It is composed of nine federated states, one of which is Vienna, Austria's capital and its largest city.