Eurovision 2026: More Countries Weigh In On Israel Controversy

Israeli singer Yuval Raphael at the Eurovision red carpet launch earlier this yearAs the debate around whether Israel should be allowed to return to the Eurovision Song Contest next year only continues to get louder, more participating countries have been weighing in over the last few days.Israel’s presence at Eurovision has been a contentious issue for a number of years because of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and as the situation has intensified, organisers have faced increasing calls to ban the nation’s broadcaster Kan from competing.The last few weeks have even seen the national broadcasters for Slovenia, Ireland, The Netherlands and Spain all say they will not return to Eurovision if Israel is allowed back in 2025, while Iceland and Belgium’s delegations have made similar claims, saying they’ll make an official announcement once a decision is reached by organisers about Israel.Speaking on TOK FM earlier this week, Poland’s culture minister Marta Cienkowska remarked “with a very heavy heart”: “I would very much like this not to be an event that becomes political, but I will give my personal opinion, not as a minister, but as a person.”“I believe we should not take part in Eurovision if Israel participates.”However, it’s seemingly not an issue that all competing countries are in agreement over.The last few days have seen representatives for the national broadcasters of Malta, Croatia and Australia (which has now been part of Eurovision for a decade, first competing in 2015) insist they will remain part of the competition regardless of whether Israel is expelled, similarly to how Russia was banned from taking part after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Eurovision winners JJ and Nemo have both said they support Israel's expulsion from the contestOfficial discussions about Israel’s involvement in Eurovision took place over the summer, among members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the collection of broadcasters who take part in Eurovision each year, with no official resolution. This conversation is due to resume before the end of the year.Around the time of these first EBU discussions, it was reported by a number of news outlets that Germany and Italy’s national broadcasters had threatened to pull out of Eurovision if Israel is not permitted to return to the event in 2026.Germany’s Südwestrundfunk (SWR) told HuffPost UK in response to these rumours: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a major musical event that has brought people across Europe and beyond together for decades – diverse and respectful, regardless of origin, religion, or belief.“The ESC is a music competition organised by EBU broadcasters, not governments. The Israeli broadcaster KAN adheres to applicable regulations and has been an integral part of the music competition for more than 60 years. We affirm their membership and the core values of the ESC.“We welcome the process initiated by EBU Director General Noel Curran. A former senior TV executive will engage in a structured, open dialogue with the members over the coming months to explore various perspectives and identify courses of action. The goal should be a well-founded and sustainable solution in line with the EBU’s values.”HuffPost UK did also contact Italy’s RAI at the same time, but did not receive a response.Meanwhile, Germany’s culture minister Wolfram Weimer said last week: “Eurovision was founded to bring nations together through music. Excluding Israel today goes against this fundamental idea and turns a celebration of understanding between peoples into a tribunal.“It’s precisely because Eurovision was born on the ruins of war that it should not become a scene of exclusion. Eurovision is based on the principle that artists are judged on their art and not on their nationality. The culture of cancellation is not the solution – the solution is diversity and cohesion.”The foreign minister for Austria – where Eurovision is due to take place in 2026, following Dutch singer JJ’s victory this year – has also publicly discouraged participating countries from withdrawing if Israel is permitted to return.Eurovision will be held in Vienna in 2026 after JJ won for Austria earlier this yearAustrian champion JJ has previously said he supports calls for Israel to be removed from Eurovision, as has his predecessor Nemo, who told HuffPost UK earlier this year: “I support the call for Israel’s exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest. Israel’s actions are fundamentally at odds with the values that Eurovision claims to uphold – peace, unity and respect for human rights.”Eurovision has previously provided HuffPost UK with a statement on the matter from its director Martin Green, which read: “We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. We are still consulting with all EBU Members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Song Contest.“Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna. It is up to each Member to decide if they want to take part in the Contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make.”Meanwhile, the BBC’s director general also made headlines when he addressed the subject earlier this month.MORE EUROVISION:This Is Why Next Year's Eurovision Song Contest Is Already Facing Controversy Over IsraelEurovision Bosses Deny Latest Rumours About Israel's Involvement In Next Year's ContestCéline Dion's Rep Hits Back At 'Entirely False And Potentially Damaging' Eurovision Claims

Comments

Breaking news

New blood test for 50 cancers ‘could make substantial difference to outcomes’

Metro

Pictured: Company boss, 51, found 'murdered' in his own home two weeks after his wife died of cancer - as man, 31, is arrested

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Balcony collapse horror near University of Cincinnati as students plunge from 3rd floor while celebrating exams

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Top flight horse race is won by biggest-ever outsider in stunning 200-1 record upset

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Prince Andrew 'gagged' Virginia Giuffre for a year so the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations wouldn't be tarnished, book claims

about 2 hours ago

Burnley and Leeds stars are booed for taking the knee - as one player refuses to perform the gesture

Dailymail

Gary Neville comes under fire at Salford game as fan - who is wearing shirt calling pundit a 'traitor' - plants St George's flag in centre circle amid chants labelling him 'a w****r'

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Awkward wardrobe malfunction forces referee to intervene as Royal Albert Hall hosts Grand Sumo Tournament

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Kelly Osbourne cuts a heartbreaking figure as she clutches Ozzy's lifetime achievement award and says it 'would have meant the world to him'

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

British citizens who fought for Israel in Gaza should be tried for war crimes when they come home, Scottish Greens say

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Carol Vorderman, 64, reveals she's been 'very poorly' as she issues a major health update after being forced to quit her radio show following hospital scare

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Croissant for £42, caviar with scrambled eggs for £750 and a £48 omelette: How Michelin-starred breakfast became latest eating fad

about 2 hours ago

NHS nurse gets £300 parking fine while at work - as thousands of colleagues are targeted every year, new figures show

Dailymail

‘No Kings’ protests live updates: Anti-Trump rallies kick off in UK, Spain, Germany and Sweden before millions set to march in US

about 3 hours ago

Independent

The champion Dodgers are dominating October again. There's more behind their success than money

about 3 hours ago

Independent

Jason Momoa worked with a coach to speak Hawaiian authentically in 'Chief of War'

about 3 hours ago

Comments

Similar News

Trump Saves Eurovision: Song Contest Nixes Controversial Vote to Kick Out Israel After Gaza Deal

Eurovision emergency vote on Israel's inclusion is called off

Eurovision Organisers Have Another Update On Israel's Involvement After 'Developments In The Middle East'

Eurovision organisers postpone vote on Israel's inclusion in contest next year

Eurovision Host Austria: If Israel Is Out, We're Out

Eurovision 2026: German Leader Supports Boycott If Israel Is Not Allowed To Compete

Eurovision at war: German chancellor calls on the nation to QUIT the singing contest if Israel is excluded after countries including Spain and Ireland threatened boycott over their war in Gaza

Eurovision 2026: All The Countries That Have Spoken Out About Israel's Involvement

'If Israel is there, we won't be': Emergency vote to be held as Eurovision rebellion swells

Eurovision 2026: How British Fans Really Feel About Israel's Potential Return

Inside the weird and wacky world of sauna competitions - where hundreds of naked bathers watch a Eurovision-style talent show in 32 degree heat

Eurovision To Hold Vote On Expelling Israel From Song Contest

Eurovision body to hold vote on Israel's participation

Eurovision to decide whether Israel can take part in 2026 contest as calls mount for its exclusion

Israel could be voted out of Eurovision before it even begins: Member countries will vote over who can compete after some threatened to boycott event

Eurovision 2026: Israel's Involvement Will Be Put To A Vote, Bosses Confirm

Eurovision Members to Vote on Whether to Exclude Israel

Vladimir Putin Opens Russia's Eurovision Knockoff, 'Intervision,' Declaring Music Has 'No Borders'

Inside Russia’s revamped answer to Eurovision as winner crowned in night of glitter and geopolitics

'It felt like a house of cards': Could boycotts over Israel lead to a Eurovision crisis?

Breaking news

New blood test for 50 cancers ‘could make substantial difference to outcomes’

Prince Andrew ‘gagged Virginia Giuffre to protect Queen’s jubilee year’

Ten injured after balcony collapses near University of Cincinnati as students were celebrating end of exams

Developing Rosebank oil field ‘pure climate vandalism’, Scottish Green insists

Jewish film festival postponed after cinemas ‘refuse to host events’

Police launch investigation after bar worker, 19, found dead in Manchester flat

US jury issues $20M verdict against French bank BNP Paribas over Sudanese atrocities

Reform’s newest MP Danny Kruger: ‘On a personal level I deeply regret rejecting the Tory party’

Lady Annabel Goldsmith death: Socialite who gave her name to London nightclub dies, aged 91

Skeletal woman 'locked in bedroom for 27 years' utters three chilling words

School staff member dies 'after being kicked in chest by pupil'

Scots mum's blurry vision during pregnancy uncovered as serious brain condition

Police probe new allegation against Scots Tinder rapist who faked own death

Portugal set for burka ban

Protesters in Germany demand removal of Madeleine McCann suspect

Prince Andrew still worth £3.7m even after losing all his royal titles

Three UK areas told by Met Office to prepare emergency kit - see if yours is one

EastEnders 90s heartthrobs now - drugs, illness and 'clown feuds'

Urgent warning as 'dangerous' fake weight loss drug is being pushed on social media

Aldi urgently recalls steaks over health fears as shoppers warned 'DO NOT EAT'

Prince William 'was driving force' behind Andrew giving up titles, claims royal expert

Donald Trump protests live: No Kings march in Washington DC attracts tens of thousands

Queen's one-word response to Prince Andrew's allegations before she passed

Burglary suspect does a poo in courtroom and lobs it at the judge before verdict

Ange Postecoglou SACKED by Nottingham Forest just minutes after heavy Chelsea loss

This hot chocolate advent calendar saves you £2 a day on fancy takeaway drinks

Pictured: Company boss, 51, found 'murdered' in his own home two weeks after his wife died of cancer - as man, 31, is arrested

Balcony collapse horror near University of Cincinnati as students plunge from 3rd floor while celebrating exams

Top flight horse race is won by biggest-ever outsider in stunning 200-1 record upset

Prince Andrew 'gagged' Virginia Giuffre for a year so the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations wouldn't be tarnished, book claims

Burnley and Leeds stars are booed for taking the knee - as one player refuses to perform the gesture

Net Zero destroyed my home: Father-of-one reveals how eco-friendly scheme cost him £250k and 'ripped his life apart'

Fury as historic Scottish sailing ship is towed out to sea and deliberately sunk off the coast of Hawaii

Gary Neville comes under fire at Salford game as fan - who is wearing shirt calling pundit a 'traitor' - plants St George's flag in centre circle amid chants labelling him 'a w****r'

Awkward wardrobe malfunction forces referee to intervene as Royal Albert Hall hosts Grand Sumo Tournament

Kelly Osbourne cuts a heartbreaking figure as she clutches Ozzy's lifetime achievement award and says it 'would have meant the world to him'

British citizens who fought for Israel in Gaza should be tried for war crimes when they come home, Scottish Greens say

Carol Vorderman, 64, reveals she's been 'very poorly' as she issues a major health update after being forced to quit her radio show following hospital scare

Croissant for £42, caviar with scrambled eggs for £750 and a £48 omelette: How Michelin-starred breakfast became latest eating fad

NHS nurse gets £300 parking fine while at work - as thousands of colleagues are targeted every year, new figures show

Inside Postecoglou's 39 days to forget at Forest

David Attenborough becomes oldest Daytime Emmy winner

Louisiana resident assisted in Hamas 7 October attack, US says

Watch: Brits row from Peru to Australia in tiny boat

Giuffre brother calls on King to strip Andrew of prince title

Eleven killed after Israel hits bus in Gaza, Hamas-run civil defence says

‘I dressed as Thatcher for Halloween 13 years ago as a joke – now it’s my full-time job’

Mystery of ‘crocodile’ spotted in UK river solved after police’s ‘strangest appeal ever’

Terrifying moment fire breaks out on plane travelling at 33,000ft

Fire chief’s home set ablaze after dog chews through lithium battery

Cowboy builder wrecked woman’s memorial garden for two-year-old granddaughter

Putin foe stabbed to death in Istanbul villa where he lived in exile

Ofcom orders BBC to air on TV finding that Gaza film broke broadcasting rules

Shutdown impact: What it means for workers, federal programs and the economy

Work begins to restore power to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Unions warn Reeves they could abandon Labour if she ‘panders to the right’ with more welfare cuts

Putin wants Farage to win to divide Europe, says Lammy