Overview

• Ireland’s public broadcaster said it will not enter the Vienna contest if Israel is allowed to compete, citing the Gaza war, killings of journalists, blocked media access and the plight of hostages.
• Spain’s culture minister renewed a call to exclude Israel and said withdrawal is being considered, a move that would carry extra weight given Spain’s Big Five status.
• Iceland’s RÚV, Slovenia’s RTV SLO and the Netherlands’ Avrotros have tied their decisions to EBU actions, leaving participation contingent on the outcome of ongoing talks.
• The EBU has not issued a final ruling on Israel’s status and is consulting members, with initial entry administration due in mid-September and penalty-free withdrawals permitted until mid-December.
• Broadcasters note Israel’s KAN is an EBU member in good standing, while others warn multiple exits could overshadow the Vienna event and strain planning for the host broadcaster ORF.