Eurovision 2026: Spain Joins 3 Other Countries In Saying It Will Withdraw If Israel Returns

Yuval Raphael represented Israel at Eurovision in 2025Spain has become the first of Eurovision’s so-called “Big Five” countries to state that it will withdraw from next year’s competition if Israel is invited to return.The continued presence of Israel at Eurovision has become a contentious issue in the last few years, since the ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified.As a result, many fans of the annual song contest have been calling for a boycott as long as Israel is still a part of Eurovision, with Slovenia, Ireland and The Netherlands’ national broadcasters all stating they will not be competing in the event in 2026 should Israel remain in the competitinFollowing a vote on Tuesday, Spain’s RTVE announced that it would follow suit, as reported by Sky News.Spanish singer Melody competed at Eurovision in 2025Earlier this month, Eurovision provided HuffPost UK with a statement from 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, Iceland’s broadcaster RÚV has already said it’s “likely” that if the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decides that Israel should remain part of Eurovision, they will also withdraw from next year’s event.Spain is one of five countries – alongside the UK, France, Germany and Italy – who contribute the most to Eurovision financially, and therefore have a guaranteed spot in the live final each year, without having to compete in earlier stages of the competition.Not every country’s national broadcaster is on the same page on this issue, though.Austrian singer JJ is the current reigning winner of Eurovision, following his victory back in MayBack in July, it was widely reported that the national broadcasters for Germany and Italy (both also members of the “Big Five”) had threatened to pull out of Eurovision if Israel is not permitted to return to the event in 2026.Germany’s Südwestrundfunk (SWR) later told HuffPost UK: “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 also contacted Italy’s RAI at the time but did not receive a response.Official discussions about Israel’s involvement in Eurovision began with competing broadcasters over the summer, and are due to resume before the end of this year.Last week, the BBC had no comment when approached by HuffPost UK on whether it had any intention to withdraw or remain part of Eurovision depending on the impending decision over Israel.Since then, the corporation’s director-general has addressed the matter in a public statement.MORE EUROVISION:This Is Why Next Year's Eurovision Song Contest Is Already Facing Controversy Over IsraelBBC Boss Reacts To Broadcasters' Calls For Israel To Be Banned From Eurovision Song ContestReigning Eurovision Winner JJ Calls For Israel To Be Removed From The Contest

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