Israel to Compete in Eurovision 2026 Amid Boycott by Five Countries Over Gaza War
Priyanka Shankar
Israel will compete in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna despite a boycott by five countries (Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Iceland) and calls from over 1,000 artists to ban it. Critics accuse the EBU of double standards, citing its ban on Russia while allowing Israel amid the Gaza war that has killed over 72,740 Palestinians.
The Eurovision 2026 grand final is set for May 16 in Vienna, Austria, marking 70 years of the international song contest. Israel's entry this year is singer Noam Bettan with the pop song Michelle.
However, the event is overshadowed by protests against Israel's participation as its military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 72,740 Palestinians.
The five boycotting nations are Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and Iceland. They accuse the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Eurovision's organizer, of hypocrisy for allowing Israel to compete while Russia was banned following the conflict in Ukraine.
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS cited “evidence-based interference” by Israel in last year’s contest and “serious violations of press freedom” in Gaza. Ireland said it “cannot take part while witnessing the terrible loss of life in Gaza.” Slovenia boycotted “on behalf of the 20,000 children killed in Gaza.” Spain argued that “Israel is using the contest for political purposes, making it hard for Eurovision to remain neutral.” Iceland also stated there is “no joy or peace” in participating.
Earlier, in December 2025, the EBU said after its annual meeting that “a majority of members felt no further vote was needed on Israel’s participation.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the decision.
Leading support for Israel is Germany: Culture and Media Commissioner Wolfram Weimer said “Israel deserves to take part in Eurovision.” A pro-Israel initiative, “Creative Community for Peace,” has gathered over 1,000 signatures from global entertainment figures, including actors Amy Schumer, Mila Kunis and Jerry O’Connell.
Conversely, Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnès Callamard called the EBU’s failure to suspend Israel “a cowardly act and blatant double standards.” She added: “Israel is given an international stage even as it continues to commit genocide in Gaza, illegal occupation and apartheid.”
Former EU representative to Palestine Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff noted: “The call to ban Israel is not about punishing artists, but about preventing its government from using Eurovision for propaganda while it violates human rights and international humanitarian law.”
In 2024, winner Nemo from Switzerland said they would return the trophy in protest. This year, Ireland’s 1994 winner Charlie McGettigan also promised to return his trophy.
Meanwhile, alternative events such as “United for Palestine” in Brussels are being organized, with many former Eurovision contestants participating to show solidarity with Palestinians.
