The Eurovision Song Contest organizers have decided to postpone the vote regarding Israel’s participation in the event next year. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) cited recent developments in the Middle East as the reason for canceling the scheduled virtual meeting in November. Instead, the issue of Israel’s involvement will be discussed at an in-person meeting in December, with no confirmation on whether a vote will occur.
Following a ceasefire in Gaza on October 10, brokered by the US between Israel and Hamas, uncertainties remain about the next steps of the agreement, according to reports from the BBC. Recently, Hamas released the last 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for the return of close to 2000 Palestinian prisoners, including 1700 individuals held without charge, as reported by The Guardian.
The EBU’s executive board decided to hold an open discussion among its members on Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 during the winter general assembly in December, instead of organizing an extraordinary session in advance.
Previously, the EBU had planned to invite 68 member countries to vote on Israel’s participation at the November general assembly meeting. Countries like Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands had expressed intentions to boycott the event if Israel remained part of it.
Statements from RTE and Spanish broadcasters highlighted their reluctance to participate in the Eurovision contest if Israel is involved, citing ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Amnesty International and genocide scholars have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, aligning with the UN definition of genocide.
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