EBU cancels extraordinary vote on Israel’s Eurovision participation
The EBU has canceled its planned November vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision, citing the need for further discussion among its members
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has canceled the planned extraordinary vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026. The vote, which was expected to take place in November, has been called off in light of ongoing peace negotiations in the Middle East:
STATEMENT FROM EBU
Due to recent developments in the Middle East, the EBU’s Executive Board agrees that there is a clear need for an open and in-person discussion among members concerning the issue of participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
Therefore, the matter has been added to the agenda of the regular winter General Assembly, scheduled for December, instead of an extraordinary session beforehand.
The extraordinary vote was originally announced after several member broadcasters raised questions about Israel’s role in the Contest following the conflict in Gaza. With the cancelation, any formal decision has been delayed indefinitely.
The topic will now be discussed at the EBU’s winter General Assembly in December. No new vote has been scheduled.
Israel in Eurovision
Israel has participated in Eurovision 47 times since their debut in 1973. They have won the contest four times:
- 1978: Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta - Abanibi
- 1979: Milk and Honey - Hallelujah
- 1998: Dana International - Diva
- 2018: Netta Barzilai - Toy
Israel has never finished last in the contest! Since the introduction of the Semi-finals in 2004, Israel has qualified for the Grand Final 14 out of 21 times.
