Eurovision Israel boycott: all of the latest developments as countries pull out of 2026 contest

Several countries have announced plans to boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest over the continued participation of Israel in the face of the ongoing, deadly conflict in Gaza, and two former winners have handed back their trophies.

A vote was held by European Broadcasting Union (EBU) members on Thursday 4 December regarding proposed new rules for the event, which effectively meant Israel would be allowed to compete in next year’s contest, which is set to take place in Vienna in May.

Since the war in Gaza started, a number of Eurovision entrants have voiced their concern over Israel’s inclusion. Meanwhile, there have also been allegations that Israel had unfairly campaigned to boost votes for its 2024 entry, singer Yuval Raphael, after she topped the public vote.

Dana International, the first publicly trans Eurovision winner, has slammed the “violent and insulting” decision by those boycotting 2026 contest, however, this has not stopped several countries announcing they will no longer take part, and one former winner has also handed back their trophy.

Here’s all of the backlash so far:

Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands were the first to pull out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest

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

In a statement, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said that “participation under the current circumstances is incompatible with the public values ​​that are essential to us”.

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.

Iceland becomes fifth country to pull out

On Wednesday (10 December), Iceland’s broadcaster, RÚV, announced it was joining Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in boycotting the 2026 event.

“Participation of Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, in the contest has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public,” a statement read.

Eurovision winner Nemo hands back trophy over Israel’s inclusion

Last year’s Eurovision Song Contest winner Nemo is to give back the Grand Prix trophy to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in protest against Israel’s inclusion in the 2026 contest.

In a statement posted on their social media pages on Thursday (11 December), the historic musician – who became the first non-binary performer to win the contest in 2024 – said that they “no longer feel this trophy belongs on [their] shelf”.

“Last year I won Eurovision and with it I was awarded the trophy. And even though I’m immensely grateful for the community around this contest and everything this experience has taught me both as a person and artist, today no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf,” they wrote.

1994 Eurovision winner becomes second artist to “hand back” trophy

On Monday (15 December) the Irish winner of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, Charlie McGettigan, reportedly became the second artist to hand back their trophy in protest at Israel’s continued inclusion in the event.

According to Eurovoix.com, McGettigan, who the contest alongside Paul Harrington, made the announcement that he will be returning his winning trophy from the Eurovision Song Contest 1994 to the EBU after Nemo reached out to him via social media to explain why they decided to return their trophy.

In a social media video, McGettigan said: “They came across as sincere and a very intelligent person and stated their case really well, and therefore in support of Nemo, I would like to return my trophy to the EBU as well. Unfortunately, our win was way back in 1994 and I can’t lay my hands on whatever trophy we received back then, but if I do find it, I will return my trophy as well.”

17 Portuguese artists announce boycott of Eurovision

On Monday (15 December), 17 Portuguese musicians competing in the national selection show Festival da Cancao said they would refuse to represent Portugal even if selected for the next year’s song contest, Middle East Monitor reports.

The entrants in the country’s national contest to select a Eurovision representative issued a joint statement protesting Israel’s continued participation.

“With words and with songs, we act within the possibilities we are given. We do not accept complicity with the violation of Human Rights,” the statement said.

“Despite Russia’s ban from Eurovision 2022 for political reasons, we were surprised to see that the same stance was not taken towards Israel, which, according to the United Nations, is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza,” it added.

However, Portugal’s public broadcaster RTP have insisted that the country will still compete in 2026, issuing a statement that said: “Regardless of the decision of the artists who subscribe to the statement, RTP will once again organise Festival da Canção and reaffirms its participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.”

We will keep this article updated with the latest developments.