Overview

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on ARD he would back withdrawing Germany from Eurovision if Israel is excluded, calling the prospect a scandal.
• The European Broadcasting Union has scheduled an extraordinary online vote in November to decide whether Israeli broadcaster KAN may compete in 2026.
• Spain has vowed to pull out if Israel participates, with Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland issuing similar withdrawal threats.
• Danish broadcaster DR stated it will not support removing Israel as long as the country complies with Eurovision rules.
• Germany’s position carries weight as a Big Five funder, while Austria’s foreign minister cautioned against boycotts and the BBC continues to review its stance.