Germany has issued its first official response to the ongoing debate about Israel’s potential exclusion from Eurovision 2026: “Israel complies with the rules of the competition, and we support its participation.” Is a joint withdrawal by Germany and Italy from the contest on the horizon?
A new storm is shaking the Eurovision world: In recent days, rumors have circulated that the German national broadcaster (SWR) is threatening to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is excluded from the competition. Now, for the first time, an official and unequivocal response has come from Germany—leaving no room for doubt: Israel complies with the competition’s rules, and any attempt to exclude it is unacceptable to the Germans.
Germany Sets a Red Line: “Eurovision is a Bridge, Not a Wall”
The spokesperson of the German national broadcaster SWR emphasized in an official statement to Yahoo News: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a celebration that unites cultures, religions, and identities—and Israel has complied with the competition’s rules for over 60 years.” The spokesperson added: “Eurovision is managed by national broadcasters, not by governments, and Israel has always met the requirements. We fully support Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 and believe this is the way to uphold the competition’s values—connection, diversity, and mutual respect.”
The German national broadcaster’s spokesperson chose not to comment on whether Germany has threatened to withdraw from Eurovision should Israel be excluded.
Growing Public Pressure and Germany’s Firm Stance
Over the past two years, calls to exclude Israel from Eurovision have intensified, mainly against the backdrop of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Artists, former winners, and fans have urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to ban Israel from the contest. However, Germany—one of the most influential and powerful countries in the competition—has chosen to stand by Israel. The German spokesperson also welcomed the initiative of EBU Director General Noel Curran to open a structured dialogue among all member countries and to find a solution that ensures the continued participation of all parties.
The “Big Five” and the Threat of Disruption
Germany’s position on Israel’s participation comes amid a report by Alon Amir, a former member of Israel’s Eurovision delegation, commentator, and contest judge, stating that the national broadcasters of Germany and Italy are threatening to withdraw from Eurovision if Israel is excluded.
Germany and Italy are both part of the “Big Five”—the countries that finance a significant portion of Eurovision and automatically qualify for the final. Opposing them is Spain, also a member of the “Big Five,” which is leading the call for Israel’s exclusion. Spain has been joined by Iceland, Slovenia, and Ireland.
Is Eurovision 2026 Really at Risk?
The firm stance taken by Germany, alongside Italy, is putting significant pressure on Eurovision organizers. If the “Big Five” follow through on their threats, the Eurovision Song Contest would lose not only money and prestige but also its core values—connecting nations through music. The German national broadcaster is backing Israel and defending the principles of the competition. Germany makes it clear: excluding Israel without just cause is crossing a red line.
The controversy surrounding Eurovision 2026 highlights how the competition is about much more than just songs and grand performances. The contest is supposed to symbolize connection, diversity, and solidarity—values Germany has chosen to defend. As officially stated: “As long as Israel complies with the rules, it must continue to participate.”
Nevertheless, at the most recent conference held last week, which also addressed Israel’s situation, it was decided that a final decision regarding Israel’s future in the competition will be made toward October.
Israel at Eurovision 2025
“New Day Will Rise” is the song performed by Yuval Raphael, who was chosen to represent Israel after winning the 11th season of “The Next Star.” Israel advanced to the final after winning the second semi-final with 203 points and finished second overall with 436 points in the grand final. Israel ranked first in the public vote but only 14th with the jury. This marks the third consecutive year that Israel has reached the top five – an unprecedented achievement.
Eurovision 2025: This was Israel’s 47th participation in Eurovision. Israel joined the contest in 1973 and has won four times. Its most recent victory was at Eurovision 2018 with the song “Toy,” performed by singer Netta Barzilai.
