Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 has been a source of unprecedented controversy. This at a time when the crisis in the Middle East is capturing important national attention. In response, the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced it would boycott the competition slated for Vienna if Israel is allowed to compete. This stance reflects deep concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has drawn widespread condemnation from various nations and organizations.
AVROTROS articulated its position clearly, stating, “given the ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza,” it could not justify participating in an event that includes Israel. This is a feeling that rings true across the world. Iceland is mulling a withdrawal, and Ireland’s state broadcaster RTE has recently declared such participation to be “unconscionable.” In contrast, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has openly called for Israel to be barred from the competition.
Rising Tensions in the Eurovision Community
The Eurovision Song Contest has always had its share of political undercurrents, but this year even more so. As tensions escalate, several former participants, including Switzerland’s 2024 winner Nemo, have joined the call for Israel’s exclusion due to its actions in Gaza. Yet the potential boycott is indicative of larger issues that reach far beyond the musical stage, merging art and activism in the pursuit of humanitarian rights.
The current war has led to accusations of antisemitism against musicians and protests both for Palestine and Israel during this year’s competition, held in Basel, Switzerland. As this unrest illustrates, Eurovision provides a platform for more than just musically gifted artists. Eurovision organizers have opened a public consultation with all 56 active members of the EBU. This initiative intends to address the deeply fraught debate over Israel’s inclusion.
A Divided Eurovision Future
The calendar for Eurovision 2026 is officially in place! The semifinals will be held May 12 th and 14 th, culminating with an exciting finale on May 16 th. This schedule is very much up in the air as the U.S. – Israel discussions on exactly what Israel will be doing continue. The director of Eurovision, Martin Green, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
Given the ongoing geopolitical situation, Russia is still excluded from Eurovision after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It’s no surprise that despite previous controversies, Israel’s participation continued to fuel a rift among the Eurovision community, which has continued to grow. The call for boycott is a potent reminder of culture meets politics. Taken together, it raises some seriously interesting questions about the future of entertainment platforms’ responses to global crises.
