Another Nation Balks at Eurovision Over Israel's Inclusion

UPDATE Sep 17, 2025 7:10 AM CDT

On Tuesday, a new entry joined Ireland and other nations that have said they won't compete in next year's Eurovision if Israel does. Spain is now balking and warning it won't take part if Israel participates, citing the war in Gaza. The country joins Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands in so far taking that stance ahead of the 2026 musical competition, set to be held in May in Vienna, per the AP. The outlet notes that the decision by Spanish broadcaster RTVE, made at a Madrid board meeting, "puts more pressure on both Israel and the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the popular contest." The Guardian notes that Spain is the first of the "big five" Eurovision nations—a group that also includes the UK, France, Germany, and Italy—to threaten a boycott.

Sep 11, 2025 3:05 PM CDT

Israel is currently slated to compete in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, and if so, Ireland wants no part of it. Ireland's national broadcaster, RTE, announced it will pull out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete. The BBC reports that the move, described as a response to the "ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza," puts Ireland at the forefront of a movement among European nations considering boycotts over Israel's participation.

RTE clarified that a final decision hinges on the European Broadcasting Union's forthcoming ruling on Israel's eligibility. The broadcaster added that "RTE is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages." This isn't the first time Ireland has raised the issue. Prior to the 2024 contest, RTE pressed the EBU to address concerns about Israel's inclusion. RTE's director general, Kevin Bakhurst, emphasized the "horrific impact on civilians in Gaza" and said the broadcaster was committed to objectivity in its coverage.

story continues below

The Guardian reports that Slovenia's RTVSLO has also said it won't participate if Israel does. Spain's culture minister, meawhile, has also hinted at a possible withdrawal. Iceland's broadcaster, RUV, is also threatening a boycott, with a rep saying its participation is "subject to the outcome of the ongoing consultation process within the EBU, due to the participation of the Israeli state broadcaster KAN in the competition." The Guardian notes that participants normally have until October to signal whether they'll compete, but this year's deadline has been postponed to December. The 2026 competition, however slimmed down, takes place in Vienna in May.