Overview
- Christian Stocker called excluding Israel a “fatal mistake,” citing Austria’s historical responsibility in remarks published on the country’s National Day.
- He declined to comment on reports of political pressure on public broadcaster ORF to abandon hosting if Israel is barred, while ORF’s chief stressed that contracts are binding and the contest is a musical event.
- Eurovision organizers canceled a planned November vote after a ceasefire, and the EBU General Assembly is slated for December 10 to decide the issue.
- Public broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands have threatened to withdraw if Israel competes, and formal ban requests were lodged earlier this year by countries including Iceland and Spain.
- Controversy over 2025 results persists after Israel’s entry finished second with 60 jury points and 297 public points, leading several broadcasters to seek audits or question the voting methodology.