Several countries boycott Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete

Ireland, Spain and The Netherlands will boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, after Israel was allowed to compete.

They were among a number of countries who had called for Israel to be excluded over the humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza, and accusations of unfair voting practices.

Despite calls for a vote on Israel’s participation, members instead approved a new set of rules intended to protect the integrity of the contest.

In a statement, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said that “participation under the current circumstances is incompatible with the public values ​​that are essential to us”.

Spanish broadcaster RTVE added: “The board of directors of RTVE agreed last September that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision 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 on its participation.

According to the broadcaster, organisers “denied RTVE’s request”, adding: “This decision increases RTVE’s distrust of the festival’s organisation and confirms the political pressure surrounding it.”

Other broadcasters, including Slovenia and Iceland are also expected to withdraw from the competition.