Eurovision 2026: Debate on Israel’s Participation Postponed to December 4

Eurovision 2026: Debate on Israel’s Participation Postponed to December 4

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel in Eurovision: Discussion on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 postponed to December 4 amid Middle East developments In an official statement sent to members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), it was announced that the discussion regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, which had been moved up to early November, will ultimately take place on its original date – December 4 – as part of the organization’s General Assembly. According to the EBU, this decision was made “in light of the recent developments in the Middle East” and out of a desire to hold “an open discussion with the full participation of all members.” However, the statement does not specify whether an actual vote will take place at that time, raising the possibility that the decision may be postponed – or that the vote may be canceled altogether – depending on the tone and direction of the debate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); EBU’s Position and Internal...
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“HaKokhav HaBa”: How Is the Production Preparing for a Possible Eurovision Disqualification?

“HaKokhav HaBa”: How Is the Production Preparing for a Possible Eurovision Disqualification?

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});   Reports reveal that the production of "HaKokhav HaBa," the Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2026, is preparing for every possible scenario - including a possible elimination from the contest. What is the winner's alternative prize? Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision remains unclear due to countries threatening to withdraw if Israel takes part. Despite this, the popular show "HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision," which is due to select Israel’s representative for the 2026 contest in Vienna, Austria, has already started filming. Recent reports highlight how the show’s producers are preparing for a possible elimination scenario. The season is set to premiere mid-November. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Alternative Prize Planned Should Israel be excluded from Eurovision 2026, the show’s production will award the winner a cash prize of 1 million shekels (about 264,000 Euro), as reported by "Walla Tarbut". This prize was given in past seasons not linked to Eurovision—to Tamir Grinberg and Eliav Zohar. It’s worth...
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Who Will Decide Israel’s Future in Eurovision? Norwegian Statement Raises Questions

Who Will Decide Israel’s Future in Eurovision? Norwegian Statement Raises Questions

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Norway’s TV 2 questions voting on Israel’s Eurovision exclusion, raising uncertainty over participation and possible impact on final results Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 is considering whether to participate in the vote on Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision 2026, spokesperson Jan-Petter Dahl confirmed. The hesitation stems from the fact that the channel is an active EBU member but does not hold Eurovision broadcasting rights, which in Norway belong exclusively to the competing broadcaster NRK. “We will wait for the invitation before considering whether it is natural for us to participate,” said Dahl. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who Will Participate in the Vote? The vote on Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision 2026 has been postponed to mid-November. Since the EBU has not yet sent an official invitation to any national broadcaster – only announcing it will take place in a “special online session” of the General Assembly – it remains unclear which broadcasters will vote, what majority will...
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Poll Finds: Most Icelanders Support Withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 If Israel Participates

Poll Finds: Most Icelanders Support Withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 If Israel Participates

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Gallup poll finds most Icelanders back withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, ahead of Iceland’s key EBU vote  According to a new Gallup poll, 58% of Iceland's citizens support withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. Conversely, 20% favor Iceland’s participation regardless of Israel’s inclusion. It is important to note that the survey was conducted between September 18th and October 2nd, prior to the announcement of a ceasefire, which is likely to influence many Icelanders’ opinions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Gender and Education Differences in Opinion The survey reveals notable demographic variations regarding views on Israel. Men were found to be less influenced by Israel’s participation compared to women, while individuals with academic education were more inclined to oppose Israel’s presence than those with lower education levels. The sample size consisted of 1,748 respondents, with a participation rate of 46.8%. All participants were selected randomly. Iceland Likely to Support Israel's Exclusion Iceland is among...
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Australia Divided Over Eurovision 2026 – How SBS Responds to the Israel Controversy

Australia Divided Over Eurovision 2026 – How SBS Responds to the Israel Controversy

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Will Australia boycott Eurovision 2026? SBS responds to political criticism and chooses to remain neutral regarding Israel’s participation – here are all the details behind the controversy. As Australian politicians call for a strong stance against Israel, the national broadcaster SBS has opted for a different approach – maintaining neutrality. The decision not to take a position on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 has sparked debate in the local parliament. As accusations and boycott calls spread, SBS insists on continuing business as usual – preserving Australia’s decades-long musical link to Europe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Storm in the Aussie Parliament During a heated parliamentary session, Green Party Senator Mehreen Faruqi criticized the network’s decision: “Israel is set to perform pop songs while it bombs Palestinian children. If Israel participates, will Australia withdraw or provide media coverage?” Acting CEO Jane Palfreyman responded that during such sensitive times, a public broadcaster must remain neutral and refrain from taking political sides. Later in the session, SBS’s head of public...
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Will the BBC Turn Its Back on Israel Again? The Dilemma Stirring the United Kingdom

Will the BBC Turn Its Back on Israel Again? The Dilemma Stirring the United Kingdom

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel at Eurovision 2026 – yes or no? BBC Director General admits the decision on Israel’s participation is “very complex”. Full details behind the United Kingdom’s stance ahead of the dramatic vote. Between the corridors of the British national broadcaster, the BBC - long accused of anti-Israeli bias - one of the most sensitive decisions is taking shape: How will the United Kingdom vote regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026? Employees, journalists, and managers are demanding a clear answer from Director General Tim Davie, yet he prefers to wait. Will the national broadcaster remain committed to the principle of an apolitical competition, or join the voices calling for Israel’s exclusion - a country that has won the contest four times but now provokes global controversy? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Pressure on Davie from BBC staff and viewers is mounting over whether the broadcaster will support Israel or side with calls to expel Israel’s national broadcaster...
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Following Ceasefire Agreement: Vote on Expelling Israel from Eurovision 2026 May Be Postponed!

Following Ceasefire Agreement: Vote on Expelling Israel from Eurovision 2026 May Be Postponed!

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ORF announced the vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 may be delayed or canceled due to a hostage release deal and war’s end Against the backdrop of reports about a deal to end the war, it was revealed today (Thursday) that the vote regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria, may be postponed or even canceled. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria finds itself at the center of a political storm ahead of Eurovision 2026 due to uncertainty over Israel’s participation in the upcoming contest in Vienna. U.S. President Donald Trump announced last night a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. According to a report by the Austrian newspaper Der Standard, ORF faces a dilemma worth €40 million: whether to refuse hosting the major event if Israel is ultimately barred from participating. After Austria’s victory in the last Eurovision in Basel, ORF took on significant responsibility and committed...
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Austrian Chancellor Threatens: Vienna Will Not Host Eurovision 2026 if Israel Is Excluded

Austrian Chancellor Threatens: Vienna Will Not Host Eurovision 2026 if Israel Is Excluded

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Chancellor issues a bold warning: Vienna will withdraw from hosting Eurovision 2026 if Israel is banned, sparking major diplomatic waves and raising Israel’s prospects for participation. A major diplomatic bombshell shakes the Eurovision stage: amid the ongoing debate surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, a firm statement of support has arrived from one of the most crucial places — the host country itself. Austria’s Chancellor has declared unequivocally that without Israel in the competition, Vienna will not host the event. What could this mean for Eurovision’s future and for Israel’s participation? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and State Secretary Alexander Proll made an official announcement stating that if a boycott against Israel is enforced, they will pressure the national broadcaster and the City of Vienna to withdraw their hosting of Eurovision 2026. In a statement from their party, OVP, they emphasized: “It makes no sense that we, of all people, would prevent a Jewish artist from coming to...
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Iceland Faces Key Decision: Will It Support Expelling Israel from Eurovision?

Iceland Faces Key Decision: Will It Support Expelling Israel from Eurovision?

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The saga over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 continues as Iceland’s national broadcaster RÚV will hold a decisive board meeting at October’s end ahead of the EBU’s November vote. The saga surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 continues to unfold, with a crucial development from Iceland. The national broadcaster RÚV will convene a board meeting at the end of October to formally decide how it will vote in the decisive European Broadcasting Union (EBU) vote in November concerning Israel’s participation. This step is essential for RÚV, which must present a consolidated position through its representative at the EBU’s general assembly. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The latest development comes just days after our report about the strongly worded article by the chairman of Iceland’s National Broadcasting Council, Stefán Jón Hafstein, openly calling for Israel’s expulsion from the contest. In his article, Hafstein detailed six arguments, including allegations of Israel violating international law, comparing the situation to Russia’s expulsion...
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Secret Talks in Iceland: Nordic States to Debate Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

Secret Talks in Iceland: Nordic States to Debate Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Nordic broadcasters meet in Reykjavik with EBU to debate Israel’s Eurovision 2026 status amid political tensions and conflicting positions  Stefán Jón Hafstein, Chairman of the Broadcasting Council of Iceland’s national broadcaster, broke his silence by calling for Israel’s immediate exclusion from Eurovision. His opinion piece in Icelandic news outlet Vísir sparked heated debate in Iceland and across Nordic countries, echoing in Israel as well. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Hafstein revealed that Nordic national broadcaster directors will soon convene in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, for a closed, high-profile meeting attended by an EBU representative. The envoy is tasked with gauging Nordic sentiment, but many delegations appear to have already reached firm positions. Six Reasons Behind the Demand In his article, Hafstein outlined six decisive arguments for expulsion, led by the UN Special Inquiry Committee’s report alleging Israel’s commission of genocide in Gaza. “It has long been evident to all that Israel’s government violates international law, commits crimes...
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