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6h ago

EBU Cancels November Vote on Israel’s Eurovision Entry, Sets December Discussion

The EBU moved the question to its December General Assembly to allow face-to-face deliberation following the Gaza ceasefire.

A logo of the Eurovision Song Contest is seen in front of the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, May 1, 2025. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse//File Photo
People cheer as they watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest finals being screened at a community center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on May 17, 2025. Austria's JJ won the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on May 18, with his operatic song "Wasted Love" triumphing at the world's biggest live music television event. After the nail-biting drama as the votes were revealed running into Sunday morning, Austria finished with 436 points, ahead of Israel on 357 and Estonia on 356. (Photo by Maya Levin / AFP)
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Overview

  • Organisers dropped plans for an online extraordinary vote in November and added the participation issue to the Winter General Assembly agenda in December.
  • The EBU cited “recent developments in the Middle East,” with reporting pointing to a ceasefire and exchanges of hostages and detainees.
  • The union has not confirmed whether a formal vote on Israeli broadcaster KAN will occur in December and said further details will be shared with members in the coming weeks.
  • Broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands have threatened to boycott the 2026 contest in Vienna if Israel competes, with several others reportedly considering similar action.
  • Host broadcaster ORF welcomed the delay and has urged against boycotts as Austria prepares to stage the 70th Eurovision in Vienna.