Overview
- Spain’s RTVE board voted to withdraw from the 2026 contest if Israel takes part, joining pledges from the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland and Ireland, with Belgium’s VRT expressing support.
- Austria’s foreign minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger wrote to counterparts arguing a boycott would deepen divisions within the EBU and would not improve conditions in Gaza.
- The EBU says it is consulting members on participation rules, maintaining its stance on political neutrality ahead of a planned December decision on Israel’s eligibility.
- The BBC has not set its position, with director-general Tim Davie saying the decision on Israel rests with the EBU and confirming the corporation is reviewing its stance.
- Artist and fan pressure has grown, including a letter signed by about 70 former contestants urging a ban on Israel, while Austria prepares to host the contest in Vienna next May.