Overview
- Avrotros announced the boycott via NOS, with CEO Tako Zimmermann saying culture unites people but not at any cost and citing humanitarian and press‑freedom concerns tied to Gaza.
- The European Broadcasting Union said members approved new rules to limit government influence, confirming that any broadcaster agreeing to the rules, including Israel, may enter Eurovision 2026.
- Radio Svoboda reported that Spain, Ireland and Slovenia also declined to participate following the eligibility decision on Israel.
- The EBU indicated a vote on Israel’s status was unnecessary once the new rules were adopted, noting that an exclusion would have required an absolute majority of members.
- Eurovision 2026 is set for Austria after Johannes Pich (JJ) won in 2025, while Russia remains suspended from Eurovision and has revived Intervision, naming Saudi Arabia as 2026 host.