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7h ago

EBU Clears Israel for Eurovision 2026 as Spain, Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia Withdraw

Members approved new voting and promotion limits in Geneva, leaving the final lineup due before Christmas.

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FILE - JJ, from Austria, stands on the stage with his trophy after winning the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)
Protesters have demanded SBS boycott the Eurovision Song Contest over Israel’s participation, but the public broadcaster said such a move would undermine its editorial independence.
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Overview

  • EBU members declined a direct vote on Israel’s eligibility and instead passed reforms that cut individual televotes to 10, restore juries in semi‑finals and discourage state or third‑party promotional campaigns.
  • Public broadcasters in Spain (RTVE), the Netherlands (AVROTROS), Ireland (RTÉ) and Slovenia (RTVSLO) said they will not participate or broadcast in protest at Israel’s inclusion.
  • Spain’s exit would be its first absence since 1961 and carries extra weight because RTVE is among the contest’s Big Five financial backers.
  • France and Germany publicly supported Israel’s participation, the BBC said it backs the EBU decision, and Israeli officials welcomed inclusion while condemning boycotts.
  • Pro‑Palestinian rallies pressed for further boycotts, including a protest targeting Australia’s SBS in Melbourne, as Belgium and Iceland signaled they are still weighing their positions before the participant list is published.