Broadcasters to vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 after boycott threats

Israel could face expulsion from the Eurovision song contest, after the organising body confirmed it would hold an online vote on its participation in November.

One of the world's largest live music events, reaching more than 200 million viewers around the world, Eurovision is owned and operated by the European Broadcasting Union.

In a letter sent to participating broadcasters on Thursday, EBU president Delphine Ernotte Cunci wrote there was an “unprecedented diversity of views” on Israel’s participation in Eurovision, and the issue required “a broader democratic basis”.

“We can confirm that a letter has been sent from the executive board of the European Broadcasting Union to directors general of all our members informing them that a vote on participation in the Eurovision song contest 2026 will take place at an extraordinary meeting of the EBU’s general assembly to be held online in early November,” the EBU said.

Several European broadcasters, including those from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia, have threatened to withdraw from the next Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete.

Pro-Palestinian protestors hold flags and a sign outside the RTE (Radio Telefis Eireann) Irish public service broadcaster television studios, in Dublin, Ireland. Reuters

Russia was banned from the competition in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine, but Israel – a four-time winner since debuting in 1973 – has continued to take part despite controversy. Both last year’s contest in Malmo and this year’s in Basel saw pro-Palestine protests outside the arenas.

Eurovision, which is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary, features country members of the EBU.

The 2026 competition is set to take place in Vienna, after Austria's JJ won this year's competition.

Political divisions have clouded the contest over the years, but more so since 2023 following the war in Gaza.

Israel’s 2024 entry, October Rain by Eden Golan, was considered to be too political by EBU officials, which led to a change in lyrics as well as the song being renamed Hurricane.

Yuval Raphael from Israel finished second in this year's Eurovision. AP Photo

Similar to last year, demonstrations calling for Israel to be banned from the competition were held outside this year's venue in Basel, Switzerland.

This year's Israeli contestant, Yuval Raphael, placed second after JJ narrowly beat her during the final round of voting.

The Austrian-Filipino singer, who grew up in Dubai, stoked debate when he said he was “disappointed to see Israel still participating” in the competition, telling Spanish daily El Pais: “I would like Eurovision to be held without Israel in Vienna next year.”

SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6

COMPANY%20PROFILE

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Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)

Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)

What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

The%20specs

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Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)

THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS

Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.

Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.

Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.