At least 4 countries pull out of 2026 Eurovision contest over Israel’s participation

Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands have pulled out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

The decision came after a vote on whether Israel should be able to compete in next year’s contest due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and concerns about unfair voting.

The UK’s BBC was among around 50 broadcasters which attended a meeting of the European Broadcasting UNION (EBU) on Thursday (4 December) on the future of the show.

Some countries had already shown support to Israel’s participation, including Germany, who had threatened they would pull out if Israel was barred.

Since the war in Gaza started, a number of Eurovision entrants have voiced their concern over Israel still being included. Meanwhile, there have been allegations that last year’s Israel entry, Yuval Raphael, received unfair boosts in the vote.

New voting rules were brought in to try and make sure things were kept fair, however after it was confirmed via a vote that Israel could stay in the competition, a number of countries confirmed they would not be taking part next year.

Which countries have pulled out of Eurovision 2026?

As of now, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia have pulled out. Others, including Belgium and Iceland, have not yet made their final decisions.

Ireland’s RTÉ said they would not take part due to the “loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis” which is ongoing.

Slovenia said: “As a public service broadcaster, RTV Slovenia is committed to upholding ethical principles and expects that equal rules and standards apply to all EBU members and all participating countries.” This was echoed by Netherlands broadcast Avrotos, who cited “the public values that are fundamental to our organisation”.

Spain’s RTVE brought up the threat from September that they would pull out if Israel stayed in the competition.

Is the UK taking part in Eurovision 2026?

It looks like the UK has no plans to withdraw.

The BBC, which airs the show in the UK, said in a statement: “We support the collective decision made by members of the EBU. This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive.”

What have Israel said?

Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, said the county “deserves to be represented on every stage in the world”, adding: “I am fully and actively committed to that.”

Meanwhile, Golan Yochpas of Israel broadcaster KAN said: “A boycott may begin today – with Israel – but no-one knows where it will end or who else it may harm.”