Boycott of Eurovision over Israel: organisers have taken a difficult decision
This was stated by Martin Green, the director of Eurovision, in an interview with Nieuwsuur.
The organisers of Eurovision plan to reinstate countries that withdrew from the contest due to Israel’s participation.
These include, in particular, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands.
The contest’s director, Martin Green, stated that the organisers would “do everything possible” to ensure these countries return to Eurovision.
At the same time, he said, there are no plans to exclude Israel from the contest.
Green acknowledged that previously, the organisers of “Eurovision” had not responded sufficiently to the political influence surrounding the contest.
In particular, he mentioned the participation of Israel’s representative in 2025, when disputes arose over the voting due to a large-scale advertising campaign.
Separately, the Eurovision director stated that Ukraine has the right to participate in the contest.
He described any proposal to exclude Ukraine as unacceptable, despite calls from some sections of the public to disqualify countries at war.
According to Green, the current situation is one of the most difficult in the history of the show, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary.
The contest is simultaneously facing protests, boycotts and political pressure.
Why are countries boycotting Eurovision?
Calls to exclude Israel from Eurovision began to emerge in late 2023.
This followed the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October and Israel’s subsequent military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Israel faced accusations of a humanitarian blockade and mass civilian casualties.
Since then, some countries have begun to withdraw from the song contest.
People also took to the streets to protest against Israel’s participation.
In 2024, in Sweden, where Eurovision 2024 was held, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against Israel’s participation.
Israel’s participation in “Eurovision 2025” also drew criticism.
At that time, the country was represented by singer Yuval Rafael, who had survived a Hamas terrorist attack on the Nova music festival.
Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, Iceland and the Netherlands have already decided to boycott “Eurovision 2026” due to Israel’s participation.
Meanwhile, Germany and Austria, where the contest will be held, have been the most vocal in opposing Israel’s disqualification.
What is known about “Eurovision 2026”
Eurovision 2026 will take place in Vienna.
35 countries are set to take part in the contest.
Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova will return to the show.
The semi-finals are scheduled for 12 and 14 May.
The Grand Final is set to take place on 16 May.
Ukraine will be represented at Eurovision 2026 by LELÉKA – Viktoria Leleka – with the song “Ridnym”.
She has already officially unveiled the competition version of the song she will perform in Vienna.
The Ukrainian representative is set to take to the stage in the second half of the second semi-final.
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