EntertainmentPosted at: Oct 14 2025 5:53PM


Eurovision organisers postpone vote on Israel's 2026 participation

Brussels, Oct 14 (UNI) The European Broadcasting (EBU) has deferred discussions concerning Israel's potential participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, citing recent developments in the Middle East.
A virtual vote initially slated for November has been deferred to the EBU's winter general assembly in December, when members will discuss the issue face-to-face. It remains uncertain whether a formal vote will take place at that meeting.
Israel's participation in Eurovision has faced opposition from some other participating countries due to the war in Gaza. On Monday, all 20 living Israeli hostages were freed by Hamas in exchange for the return of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. It comes after a ceasefire came into force on Friday, reports BBC.
In a statement, the EBU said: "In the light of recent developments in the Middle East, the EBU's executive board (meeting on October 13) agreed there was a clear need to organise an open and in-person discussion among its members on the issue of participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026."
"Consequently, the board agreed to put the issue on the agenda of its ordinary winter general assembly, which will be taking place in December, rather than organising an extraordinary session in advance," it added.
Last month, the EBU invited its 68 member countries to submit their views on Israel's potential participation, which was initially to be considered during a general assembly in November. Austria, host of the 2026 contest, welcomed the decision to delay the vote, reinforcing its previous stance against boycotts.
It had previously urged countries not to boycott the contest next year in Vienna, with its Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger saying Eurovision and the arts in general are "not the appropriate arenas for sanctions".
Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands have said they may boycott next year's contest if Israel competes. Dutch broadcaster AvroTros clarified that the recent ceasefire would not alter its stance for 2026, while leaving room for reassessment in future contests depending on circumstances.
In September, the broadcaster said it should be allowed to take part, saying it was "one of the contest's longstanding, popular and successful participants".
Israel came second in the most recent Eurovision Song Contest in May, with its act Yuval Raphael receiving the largest combined public vote. However, the inclusion of jury votes led to Austria being declared the overall winner. UNI NST CDS SSP
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