A wave of ultimatums against Israel’s participation is spreading across Europe. While more countries join the call to exclude Israel, Sweden chooses ambiguity and takes a cautious stance.

A growing wave of countries opposing Israel threatens to withdraw from the competition unless Israel is excluded, sparking a fierce debate as preparations for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna advance rapidly. After Slovenia and Ireland officially declared they would not take part if Israel competes, Iceland and Spain joined the critical voices, stating there is a strong likelihood of withdrawal unless the situation changes. Within this storm of pressure, Sweden – one of the most influential countries in the contest and a nation with a rich history of victories – was also asked to clarify its position.

“We Don’t Want to Get Ahead of Things”

The Swedish national broadcaster SVT chose to take a moderate and cautious approach, refraining from joining the wave of demands for Israel’s exclusion.

“We don’t want to get ahead of things, […] At this stage, we are maintaining a dialogue with the EBU and will return with an answer later on”.

Said Hanna Dowling, SVT’s spokesperson.

This approach conveys careful communication strategy: Sweden, considered one of the central and most influential countries in Eurovision history, with seven overall victories, prefers to keep room for maneuver rather than taking an immediate side in the intensifying debate over Israel’s participation.

Sweden, on the one hand, does not distance itself from Israel and its supporting countries, yet on the other hand it avoids directly confronting European broadcasters calling for withdrawal, waiting instead for the official EBU decision expected in December regarding Israel’s presence in the contest.

Months of Crucial Decisions Ahead?

While Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, and Iceland have taken a firm and threatening position, and other countries watch developments closely, Sweden chooses – at least for now – to remain patient and allow the EBU sufficient time to decide Israel’s fate in the competition. The Swedish stance projects patience and careful judgment, while simultaneously raising questions over possible future moves within the contest. As European discussions and pressures intensify, every delay in a decision could prove decisive.

Will Israel ultimately be able to participate in Eurovision 2026, or will European pressure trigger an unprecedented rift in the competition’s history?