Ireland among countries boycotting Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete

Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after allowing Israel to compete.

They were among a number of countries that called for Israel’s exclusion due to the humanitarian toll caused by the war in Gaza, and accusations of unfair voting practices.

Despite calls for a vote on Israel’s participation, members instead agreed to a new set of rules aimed at protecting the integrity of the competition.

Irish national broadcaster RTE said it felt its “participation remains unreasonable given the horrific loss of life in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there that continues to put the lives of many civilians at risk.”

The Dutch broadcaster Afrotros said in a statement, “Participation under the current circumstances contradicts the public values ​​that are essential to us.”

Spanish radio RTVE added: “Last September, the RTVE Board of Directors agreed to Spain’s withdrawal from the Eurovision competition if Israel was part of it.”

“This withdrawal also means that RTVE will not broadcast the Eurovision 2026 final… nor the preliminary semi-finals.”

RTVE had led the calls for Israel’s dismissal, and requested a secret ballot for its participation.

According to the radio, the organizers “rejected RTVE’s request,” adding: “This decision increases the radio’s lack of confidence in organizing the festival, and confirms the political pressures surrounding it.”

Their position also “has not changed,” Slovenian broadcaster RTV added.

“The recent changes in the rules do not change our view. As a public service broadcaster, RTV Slovenia is committed to upholding ethical principles and expects that the rules and standards apply equally to all EBU members and all participating countries.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog He praised the decision to allow the country to compete, calling it “an appreciated gesture of solidarity, brotherhood and cooperation, symbolizing victory over those who seek to silence Israel and spread hatred.”

He said that he was “happy that Israel will once again participate in Eurovision and I hope that the competition will continue to sanctify culture, poetry, friendship between peoples and cultural understanding across borders.”

He added that Israel “deserves to be represented at every stage in the world, and I am fully and actively committed to that.”

Iceland was also expected to boycott the competition, but has not yet decided what it plans to do.