Public broadcasters in Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia have withdrawn from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, protesting the decision to allow Israel to compete despite the ongoing war in Gaza.
The pullouts came after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) met on Thursday to address concerns about Israel’s role in the contest.
Members approved tougher voting rules following allegations of vote manipulation but stopped short of banning Israel.
Ireland’s RTÉ said taking part was “unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” while Spain’s RTVE said Israel’s presence made it “increasingly difficult to maintain Eurovision as a neutral cultural event.”
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said Israel’s participation was “no longer compatible” with its public mandate.
Eurovision expert Dean Vuletic described the withdrawals as “one of the biggest political crises the contest has ever faced,” warning that more countries may follow.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog welcomed the EBU’s decision, saying he hoped Eurovision would remain a celebration of “culture, music, [and] friendship between nations.”
The EBU will publish the final list of participants by Christmas as Iceland and other broadcasters weigh their next moves.
