Yesterday it was announced that the EBU decided to move forward the vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 to November. At the same time, did Sweden expressed support for Israel’s inclusion?
In days when the future of Israel’s participation in Eurovision remains uncertain, every international statement becomes either a wave of hope or fear. Yesterday, it was announced that the EBU decided to move up the general assembly that will determine whether Israel will remain part of Europe’s biggest stage – Eurovision 2026, set to take place in Vienna, Austria. While many Israeli fans wonder whether this will be the year the country competes or is excluded from the historic contest, Sweden – one of the nations most closely identified with Eurovision culture – made a significant declaration: it will not boycott the competition, even if Israel remains in.
Is this a hint at the atmosphere that awaits during the decisive assembly? Or just a temporary consolation for fans waving the Israeli flag?
Sweden: “We Do Not Evolve Politics”
While some countries signal doubt, Sweden has taken a clear stance. Anne Lagerkrantz, Director-General of Swedish national broadcaster SVT, made a direct statement: Sweden’s participation in Eurovision is not intended as any political message. According to her, SVT is an independent broadcaster that does not adopt positions for or against the participation of any country, including Israel.
“We are here for music and culture”, hinted Lagerkrantz, reminding everyone of the competition’s true essence – creating a shared stage of songs, stories, and emotions, unbound by political divisions. This statement lifted the spirits of many Israeli fans: even as the door appeared to be closing, loyal voices from within the Eurovision community offered a reason to breathe easier.
Lagerkrantz also clarified that Sweden’s only condition for participation is the assurance of proper and sufficient safety conditions for its representatives.
She further stressed that the current case is entirely different from Russia’s situation in 2022, when public broadcasters were considered part of the government’s propaganda machine, which made it easier for SVT to support excluding Russia. In Israel’s case, broadcasters are independent, not a tool of state power.
She emphasized again that Sweden’s participation does not represent a political stance for or against any nation, Israel included.
The Assembly Is Moved Forward
The EBU announced that an extraordinary general assembly of its members will be held online at the beginning of November – earlier than expected. This signals considerable importance attached to the issue. The vote will determine whether Israel will be allowed to take part in Eurovision 2026. At this point, it remains unclear whether a special 75% majority will be required, or if a simple 51% majority will suffice.
In a letter signed by the EBU President, Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, and sent to its members, it was highlighted that the recent round of deliberations revealed “an unprecedented range of opinions” regarding Israel’s participation. This diversity of views prevented the reaching of internal consensus. Consequently, it was decided to turn to the democratic mechanism of holding a full assembly in which all members will vote. The official invitation with full details will be circulated next week.
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.
