Multiple countries are supporting Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, according to the Icelandic national broadcaster’s chairman. Which nations are taking a stand and what does this mean for the upcoming contest?
The board’s chairman of the Icelandic national broadcaster, Stefán Jón Hafstein, recently declared that the broadcaster intends to use the new EBU withdrawal deadline and postpone a final decision about participation until December 2026, when it will be clear if Israel is allowed to compete at Eurovision. Despite Iceland’s own reservations regarding Israeli participation, Jón Hafstein revealed that several countries have demanded Israel’s representation at Eurovision 2026.
Germany Demands Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026
“There are countries demanding that Israel remain in Eurovision, including Germany,” noted Jón Hafstein. The chairman’s remarks highlighted the division between national broadcasters in the EBU, at a time when several broadcasters – including Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, and even Iceland – have opposed Israel’s participation and threatened to withdraw if Israel competes. Jón Hafstein thus confirmed prior reports that Germany threatened to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is excluded. This statement is especially significant as Germany is one of the “Big 5” countries (main Eurovision funders with automatic final qualification), the highest financial contributor to the contest, and a major European influencer. It is encouraging to see Germany standing firmly by Israel, and there is hope that others will follow.
It is important to remember, the final decision regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is still pending and will be issued at year’s end. The EBU has allowed countries to withdraw without penalty until December—potentially to accommodate an Israeli decision expected by then. Despite Iceland’s uncertainty about taking part, preparations for the local pre-selection continue. Jón Hafstein added that once the EBU concludes its deliberations about Israel, the Icelandic broadcaster’s board will make its own ruling.
Austria, Greece, Cyprus and Switzerland Also Voice Support
At a London meeting in early July, several additional countries—Austria, Greece, Cyprus and Switzerland (and according to some reports, Italy)—publicly supported Israel’s participation, alongside Germany. Austria, the host of Eurovision 2026, stated at the meeting that the Austrian public remembers what happened to the Jewish people, especially with next year marking 80 years since World War II. The Austrian national broadcaster’s CEO, Ronald Weissmann, recently said in an interview: “I hope to see Israel participating in the contest,“ a statement of great significance for Israel.
The EBU has confirmed that its 95th General Assembly will convene in Geneva on December 4–5, 2025. While a vote on Israeli participation is not officially on the agenda, it is likely that voting will occur on December 4, traditionally reserved for formal discussions.
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 “HaKokhav HaBa”. 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 2026: This will be Israel’s 48th 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.
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Tal Dahan – Journalist, radio broadcaster, and Eurovision content creator.
Tal Dahan is an Israeli journalist and editor specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest, working with the EuroMix editorial team for four years. Since 2022, she has provided regular on-site coverage of Eurovision from the host city, and from 2023 has also reported directly from the press room—offering the Israeli audience live updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth commentary.
Tal is a member of the Eurovision tribute and parody band “EuroFalsh,” a radio broadcaster, and a student of political science and communications.
She is considered one of Israel’s leading young Eurovision experts. In addition to covering the main contest, Tal has reported from Eurovision pre-parties and national selection events across Europe (in Thessaloniki, Stockholm, Madrid, and more), been interviewed by major media outlets in Israel and internationally, and presented Eurovision-themed podcasts and radio shows.
