05.12.2025 10:04
The crisis in Israel has escalated ahead of Eurovision 2026. The EBU rejected Spain's request to "disqualify Israel from the competition" without a vote. In response, Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia decided to boycott the competition. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, will participate in the contest, stating, "We do not get involved in politics."
The debate over Israel is intensifying ahead of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Vienna. While Spain's request for Israel's removal from the competition was rejected, many countries, including Ireland and Belgium, have decided to boycott. Azerbaijan, which is curious about how it will position itself on this issue, is expected to participate unless there is a last-minute change.
DECISION MADE WITHOUT VOTING
Objections to Israel for the Eurovision contest to be held in Vienna, the capital of Austria, in 2026 were brought to the agenda of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Spain requested Israel's removal from the contest due to its attacks in Gaza and allegations of interference in this year's voting. While a vote on this application was anticipated, the EBU rejected requests for a secret ballot and announced that Israel would participate in the contest without any voting. This decision sparked significant backlash within the Eurovision community.
SEQUENT BOYCOTT DECISIONS
Following the EBU's announcement, some countries decided to withdraw from the contest. The countries that decided not to participate in or broadcast Eurovision include:
- Ireland
- Belgium
- Spain
- Iceland
- Netherlands
- Slovenia
It has been reported that some countries are also considering not sending contestants. Spain and the Netherlands had previously stated that Israel should be removed from the contest, otherwise they would withdraw.
AZERBAIJAN WILL PARTICIPATE
Azerbaijan, one of the countries whose stance is being closely watched, is expected to participate unless there is a last-minute change. Turab Teymurov, the media officer of the Azerbaijani delegation, previously stated, "Our participation is not dependent on whether any country participates or not. We do not get involved in politics," indicating that they will be part of the organization in Vienna. Azerbaijan had awarded 12 points to Israel in the jury voting in 2025, a decision that particularly drew criticism in Turkey.
ISRAEL WAS SECOND LAST YEAR
Israel's representative for 2025, Yuval Raphael, finished the contest in second place with a total of 357 points with the song "New Day Will Rise." While audience members opened a Palestinian flag on stage in protest, two viewers attempted to jump onto the stage but were stopped by security teams.