Several countries pull out of Eurovision 2026 as Israel is ...
Four countries have pulled out of next year's Eurovision Song Contest, after it was confirmed that Israel will take part. ITV National News
www.itv.comHere’s the latest on Israel and Eurovision 2026 based on recent reporting:
Israel is cleared to participate in Eurovision 2026. Multiple major outlets reported that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided Israel could compete, despite controversy and protests from some member broadcasters. This decision came amid debate over safeguards to limit government influence on voting and entries, and without a formal vote to exclude Israel.[2][5][6][9]
Several countries announced withdrawals in response to Israel’s participation. Reports identify Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia as pulling out of Eurovision 2026 in protest or disagreement with the decision. Other outlets confirm the same trend and note ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict and its impact on the contest.[3][4][7][8][2]
Public and official statements framed the outcome around cultural and musical celebration, with some leaders expressing welcome for Israel’s continued involvement and others calling the move unacceptable or politically charged.[4][5][9]
Illustration (example of how the situation unfolded)
If you’d like, I can pull the most current headlines from specific outlets (e.g., BBC, CNN, ITV) or summarize the key timelines and which broadcasters announced withdrawals. Also, I can compile a quick map of participating countries and withdrawals for Eurovision 2026. Would you like that?
Citations:
Four countries have pulled out of next year's Eurovision Song Contest, after it was confirmed that Israel will take part. ITV National News
www.itv.comIsrael's participation has divided opinion in the contest, which has a history of entanglement in political rivalries and international issues.
www.sbs.com.auIreland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia said they were pulling out of the contest after organizers decided to allow Israel to continue to compete, despite tensions over its conduct in Gaza.
www.npr.orgThere had been calls for Israel's exclusion over the war in Gaza, as well as unfair voting accusations.
www.bbc.comAt least four countries have announced they are pulling out of next year's Eurovision Song Contest
abcnews.go.comSpain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands announced their withdrawals Thursday from next year's Eurovision Song Contest after organizers decided that Israel will be allowed to compete.
www.cnn.comIsrael will be allowed to compete in next year's Eurovision Song Contest - with two broadcasters saying they will now boycott the event.
news.sky.com