Israel Cleared for Eurovision 2026 Amid Gaza War Protests: Spain, Ireland, and Others Withdraw
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In a contentious decision, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) cleared Israel to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, prompting a wave of withdrawals from Spain, Ireland, and other countries. The EBU, which oversees the contest, chose not to hold a vote on Israel's participation and instead passed new rules aimed at preventing governments from influencing the competition. However, the move was met with outrage from several countries, which cited the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the death toll in the recent conflict. Ireland's national broadcaster, RTE, called its participation in the contest "unconscionable" due to the loss of lives in Gaza. Slovenia and the Netherlands also withdrew from the competition, citing the same concerns. Israel's President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude for his country's continued participation, emphasizing the contest's values of cultural exchange and international friendship. The decision has sparked a divided reaction among Eurovision participants, with some backing the EBU's stance and others criticizing the move. The controversy surrounding Israel's participation comes amid a backdrop of rising tensions and international criticism over the Gaza war. The conflict has resulted in over 70,000 deaths and a significant humanitarian crisis in the region.
