For the first time since the rumor spread that the EBU suggested Israel participate with a neutral flag or withdraw, the organization now officially responds to the reports.
Last week, Slovenia, Ireland, and the Netherlands announced they would officially boycott Eurovision as long as Israel remains a participant. Iceland and Spain hinted that they might also consider withdrawal if Israel participates. Yesterday, reports surfaced from unofficial sources that the EBU allegedly offered Israel a temporary withdrawal or to perform under a neutral flag. KAN has not confirmed these reports.
Ynet reporter Ran Boker revealed that European sources close to the contest suggested these two options to Israel to prevent what they described as a “humiliating disqualification” from Eurovision 2026. According to the report, the “neutral” flag referenced could be the KAN logo, which broadcasters deemed acceptable compared to the Israeli national flag and government policies.
What Is the EBU’s Position? Are Those Rumors True?
Recent reports indicate the EBU has distanced itself from Ynet’s publications, issuing an official statement to The Hollywood Reporter:
“The EBU has not made any proposal to KAN regarding participation in next year’s contest”.
An EBU spokesperson added:
“The union is in constant consultation with its wider group of members, and no official decision will be reached until this process concludes. We understand the concerns and the moral perspectives surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but EBU members are still discussing how to manage participation alongside the geopolitical tensions linked to the Eurovision Song Contest”.
The spokesperson reiterated the union’s stance regarding all participating broadcasters, explaining:
“Broadcasters will have until mid-December to confirm whether they wish to participate in next year’s event in Vienna. Each member makes this decision independently, and we will respect it”.
Israel and KAN’s Response to the Reports
Golan Yochpaz, CEO of Israel’s national broadcaster KAN, responded today (Monday) for the first time to the escalating controversy surrounding calls to expel Israel from Eurovision 2026:
“There is no reason Israel should not continue being a significant part of this cultural event, which must not be politicized”.
The boycott threats made by broadcasters in Slovenia, Ireland, and the Netherlands if Israel competes have so far not received any direct response from KAN, but only from political figures, including Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar.
Crucial Vote Expected on December 4th
The EBU confirmed its 95th General Assembly will take place in Geneva, December 4th–5th. While it has not officially stated whether a vote will be held on Israel’s Eurovision participation, it is widely expected. Traditionally, the first day is dedicated to formal procedures, meaning a vote on Israel could take place on December 4th. If no vote is held, Israel will remain in the competition and participate in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, as no other opportunity to vote would arise before then.
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 357 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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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
