Israel remains in Eurovision
The EBU has held its General Assembly in Geneva, where member broadcasters faced one of the most divisive questions in recent years
EBU members have confirmed that Israel can participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. The decision was made at the General Assembly in Geneva after broadcasters reviewed the updated voting rules and discussed concerns surrounding Israel’s participation.
The main issue at the General Assembly was Israel’s participation in Eurovision, following widespread protests over Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza and allegations that the Israeli government unfairly influenced the voting at recent contests.
Vote on new rules
EBU members were asked to vote in a secret ballot on whether the Eurovision Song Contest should adopt the series of new rules announced last month.
Each country had 24 votes to divide among that country’s broadcasters, as some countries have multiple EBU members. There were 738 votes in favor of adopting the new rules, 264 votes against and 120 blank votes.
The new rules were adopted, and there was no vote on whether Israel could participate in Eurovision next year, as EBU stated:
– This vote means that all EBU members who wish to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and agree to comply with the new rules are eligible to take part.
As a result, Israel remains in the Eurovision Song Contest, and preparations for next year’s contest in Vienna will proceed under the updated rules.
Israel finished second at Eurovision 2025, driven by the public's votes. It prompted criticism from several countries, who said Israel had artificially boosted its support through a broad, paid-for advertising campaign urging Europeans to vote for their entry.
Timeline
General Assembly
EBU members gather for the General Assembly in Geneva. A package of new rules intended to strengthen the contest’s integrity is approved, and a vote on Israel’s participation does not take place.
Five broadcasters withdraw from Eurovision
Following the General Assembly, five broadcasters withdrew from Eurovision 2026:
Netherlands
The Netherlands (Avrotros) withdraws from Eurovision 2026, stating that the current circumstances conflict with its core public values. The decision follows concerns over the situation in Gaza, press freedom and political interference in last year’s contest.
Spain
Spain (RTVE) withdraws from Eurovision 2026 because it considers Israel’s continued participation incompatible with its core values and objects to the conflict in Gaza, political interference and the undermining of the contest’s neutrality. The broadcaster also confirmed it will not air the contest next year if it does not participate.
Ireland
Ireland (RTÉ) feels that Ireland’s participation in Eurovision 2026 would be "unconscionable" given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza — including civilian casualties and threats to press freedom — and therefore RTÉ will boycott the contest if Israel is allowed to participate.
Slovenia
Slovenia (RTVSLO) stated that Slovenia's participation in Eurovision 2026 under the current circumstances is no longer possible. The broadcaster emphasised that the situation surrounding Israel’s participation, together with the broader context and events linked to the recent editions of Eurovision, is incompatible with the values it upholds.
Iceland
Iceland (RÚV) announced that they will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 due to Israel’s participation. The announcement came almost a week after the General Assembly.
– It is clear from the public debate in this country and the reaction to the EBU's decision made last week that there will be neither joy nor peace regarding RÚV's participation in Eurovision. It is therefore RÚV's decision to inform the EBU today that RÚV will not participate in Eurovision next year.
New Eurovision rules
Last month, the EBU announced changes to the voting rules to limit the influence of governments and coordinated promotional efforts. Without naming Israel, the EBU said it would discourage "disproportionate promotion campaigns," especially those involving governments or state agencies.
From next year, fans will only be able to cast 10 votes instead of 20, and new measures will target fraudulent or co-ordinated voting activity. The juries will also return to the Semi-finals.
The EBU hoped the proposed rules would reassure broadcasters concerned about Israel’s participation. If broadcasters were not convinced that the rule changes were enough, a vote on Israel’s future in Eurovision was expected.
