Spain confirms withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. Why does Spain matter more than others? Should Israel be scared?
The Spanish national broadcaster RTVE has confirmed that Spain will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, if Israel participates in it. Spain is the fourth country to deliver such statement after Slovenia, Ireland and the Netherlands. The Spanish statement is an important one, that can be a game-changer against Israel.
Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun was the first one to suggest that the broadcaster should withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is not disqualified. Urtasun joins his party colleagues in sharp criticism of Israel, including Yolanda Diaz, Minister of Labor and Deputy Prime Minister under Pedro Sanchez, who also declared opposition to Israel’s participation, and Sira Rego, Minister for Children and Youth, who has taken a clear anti-Israel stance on behalf of the Spanish government.
The broadcaster has already submitted its preliminary application for Eurovision 2026, but the final decision will be made with the release of the official country list, depends on the Israeli participation, as we clarified today. The resolution was approved by an absolute majority of the broadcaster’s governing body, whic represents the country’s main parties. Ten votes were in favor (Left parties), four votes were against (PP party, right), and one was absent (Catalonia Junts party).
A Spanish withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 would be a major precedent and could trigger a financial crisis for the contest, as Spain is one of the Big 5 countries and among the highest-paying participants. Its departure could significantly reduce the contest’s budget.
Spain currently leads the Eurovision Reference Group, responsible for setting competition rules, developing new formats, and ensuring a rich and diverse viewing experience for contestants and audiences. The group addresses critical issues such as voting system reforms, expanding participation to new countries, and integrating technological elements. The group is led by Spanish TV executive Ana Maria Bordas, who, like other members of the broadcaster, holds negative views toward Israel.
Spain has never withdrawn from Eurovision. If it does, this will mark the first time in history after 65 consecutive participations, dating back to the country’s debut under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Spain approved that the annual Benidorm Fest will take place normally, regardless of Spain’s Eurovision participation.
Spain in Eurovision 2025
“Esa Diva” (in English: “That Diva”) is the title of the song performed by singer Melody, who represented Spain at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland.
Spain finished 24th with 37 points – 27 points from the juries, placing 21st, and only 10 points from the televotes, placing 22nd. In the last 20 years, Spain managed to finish only 3 times in the top 10.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Spain’s 66th participation in Eurovision. Spain joined the competition in 1961 and won it twice consecutively in 1968 and 1969. Spain has hosted the contest on its territory only once in 1969 and since then holds the longest waiting time since its last victory – 56 years.
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Ofek Jerassi is an Israeli reporter, editor, content creator, and commentator, specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He has developed his extensive expertise since childhood, becoming a close follower of the contest. For the past three years, he has served as a writer and editor for EuroMix—Israel’s largest Eurovision website and one of the world’s leading platforms in the field, with over 1.5 million users annually.
Ofek covered Eurovision 2025 on-site in Basel from the press center in the host city, providing EuroMix readers with firsthand experiences, professional analysis, and exclusive reactions from the audience, artists, and experts. His in-depth knowledge and broad familiarity with the Eurovision world are evident in every article, ensuring reliable, professional, and up-to-date content.
In his personal life, Ofek is a medic and avid traveler. He writes out of a genuine love for Eurovision, placing strong emphasis on credibility, professional commentary, and presenting a diverse range of opinions.
