Summary
Five countries plan to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete. This decision follows the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The European Broadcasting Union is talking to its members about how to handle participation and related political tensions.
Key Facts
- Five countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland, plan to boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates.
- Spain is one of the "Big Five" financial supporters of Eurovision, and it voted to boycott if Israel competes.
- The boycott is a response to Israel's actions in Gaza, following a recent attack by Hamas and Israel's counteroffensive.
- The United Nations has declared a famine in Gaza, a claim Israel disputes.
- The International Association of Genocide Scholars has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, which Israel denies.
- Eurovision is an annual music contest open to countries with membership in the European Broadcasting Union, not limited to Europe.
- Israel has participated in Eurovision since 1973, despite previous controversies.
- Lawmakers in some countries, like the UK, have not announced plans to join the boycott.
