A day of drama: TV networks opposing Israel’s participation in Eurovision respond critically to the EBU’s statement, expressing strong dissatisfaction and signaling growing tension ahead of the December assembly.
The Norwegian national broadcaster NRK reported today that the discussion regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, scheduled for December 4th as part of the organization’s general assembly, has been entirely canceled. According to the report, the EBU decided that Israel will be allowed to participate in Eurovision as usual. The countries opposing Israel’s participation – Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Slovenia – issued statements, some defiant in tone, expressing clear dissatisfaction with the decision.
It should be noted that the EBU has not confirmed the report, and the discussion and potential vote on Israel’s participation remain on the agenda as long as no official confirmation has been received. Therefore, Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is still not guaranteed.
This morning, the European Broadcasting Union released a statement announcing changes in the voting procedure. Countries such as Denmark and Norway welcomed the changes and began preparations for Eurovision 2026 as usual. However, several other nations were far less pleased, frustrated by the lack of reference to Israel’s removal from the contest.
Slovenia, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium – all part of the bloc opposing Israel’s participation – issued disapproving statements regarding the updated decision. The Slovenian national broadcaster, which had been the first to voice opposition to Israel’s inclusion, stated:
“It would have been logical for the union to exclude Israel this year in order to prevent political tension”.
Describing the cancellation of the planned vote as “a regrettable step”. Slovenian media also published a critical article against the union, claiming it was “trying to calm the member states ahead of the December assembly”.
In Ireland, officials remain firm in their stance, refusing to back down. While they acknowledged that “the situation in the Middle East changes daily”, they clarified that their position has not changed. If Israel takes part in the contest, they declared, Ireland will withdraw from participation in Vienna.
The Netherlands, already clear about its unchanged stance, issued a brief statement:
“The national broadcaster will comment on the proposed changes and the potential participation of the Netherlands in Eurovision only after the general assembly of the EBU”.
Meanwhile, the Flemish Belgian broadcaster, which sent last year’s representative, remains strongly opposed to Israel’s inclusion and referred to the ceasefire in Gaza as “fragile”. The Walloon Belgian broadcaster, responsible for sending this year’s representative, is somewhat more reserved in tone compared to its Flemish counterpart.
The final decision on Israel’s participation could still change depending on political and security developments. Although pressure from Israel has eased following the ceasefire, the renewal of the war in Gaza could lead to the opposite outcome.
In the meantime, the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation continues to stir the European arena, placing Eurovision 2026 at one of the most critical crossroads in its history – whether it can preserve its apolitical character and cultural values, or succumb to external pressures, some driven by pure antisemitism.
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.
