While some European countries threaten to boycott Eurovision, Kaja Kallas, a senior EU official, expresses clear support for Israel, stressing that a boycott is a mistake.
The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Kaja Kallas, addressed this week the statements made by Slovenia, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Spain and clarified that measures such as boycotting Eurovision 2026 to protest Israel’s military actions in Gaza are a mistake that will not achieve their intended purpose.
“All these measures, which in practice aim to punish the people of Israel, in my view are misguided, and we do not support them”.
She said.
Despite her statement, the European Union has introduced a series of measures against Israel, including sanctions on what it described as “extremist ministers in the government”, notably Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, as well as the revocation of customs benefits for Israeli products. In her remarks, Kallas emphasized that the goal is to apply direct diplomatic pressure on the government:
“The objective is not to punish Israel or its citizens, but to drive a policy change that can end the humanitarian suffering in Gaza”.
Will Israel Compete Under a Neutral Flag?
As mentioned, Slovenia, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain recently announced they will boycott Eurovision as long as Israel participates as usual. Iceland has hinted it may also withdraw from the contest if Israel continues to participate. Following Kallas’s comments, reports from unofficial sources claimed that the EBU had suggested two alternatives to Israel: a temporary withdrawal from the contest or taking the stage under a neutral flag.
Ran Boker reported that European insiders had offered these suggestions to spare Israel a “humiliating disqualification”. According to the report, the so-called “neutral flag” might refer to the flag of the Israeli broadcaster KAN, which does not pose issues for European networks compared to Israel’s government and its policies.
What Is the EBU’s Actual Position?
In contrast to those reports, other sources indicated that the EBU distanced itself from Ynet’s publication. In a statement provided to “The Hollywood Reporter”, the organization said:
“The EBU has not presented any proposals to ‘KAN’ regarding next year’s participation”.
A spokesperson further remarked:
“The Union is in constant consultation with its broad membership circle, and no official decision will be made until the process is complete. We understand the concerns and value-based perspectives regarding the ongoing Middle East conflict, but our members are still discussing how to balance participation with geopolitical tensions surrounding the Eurovision contest”.
The EBU spokesperson reiterated the stance that participation remains the choice of each broadcaster:
“National broadcasters will have until mid-December to confirm whether they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna. It is ultimately the decision of each broadcaster, and we will respect whatever choice is made”.
Israel and KAN’s Response to the Reports
Golan Yochpaz, CEO of Israel’s national broadcaster KAN, responded 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”.
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.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +972-50-9441919
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.
