Overview

• Friedrich Merz told Germany’s public broadcaster he would back withdrawing if Israel were excluded, calling the debate “outrageous” and saying Israel belongs in the contest.
• The European Broadcasting Union has scheduled a member vote in November that will decide whether Israel can compete at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.
• Spain has announced it would boycott if Israel takes part, and broadcasters in Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands have issued similar threats, while Belgium and Finland have signaled they may drop out unless Israel is barred.
• Denmark’s DR said it will not support removing Israel as long as rules are followed, and Austria’s foreign minister warned that boycotts would deepen divisions without helping the situation in Gaza.
• The BBC said it is reviewing its position as fallout continues from the 2025 contest, where Israel won the public televote but received far fewer jury points, prompting audit requests from several broadcasters.