Spanish Culture Minister: “Spain Should Not Participate in Eurovision if Israel Competes”

Spanish Culture Minister: “Spain Should Not Participate in Eurovision if Israel Competes”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Following Slovenia's steps? Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun proposes Spain withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is not disqualified, urging national broadcaster RTVE to follow Slovenia's lead. Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has urged Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE to withdraw from Eurovision 2026, scheduled to be held in Vienna, Austria, if Israel is not excluded from the competition. Urtasun, a member of the far-left "Sumar" party, joins his party colleagues, Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s Labor Minister and Deputy Prime Minister under Pedro Sanchez, and Sira Rego, Minister of Children and Youth. Prime Minister Sanchez himself expressed strong opposition to Israel’s participation In an interview for La 1, one of RTVE’s channels, Urtasun proposed Spain’s withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 and called on the government to follow Slovenia’s lead: press for Israel’s disqualification, or else withdraw after Spain already confirmed its participation in the contest. Such a move would mark the first-ever withdrawal of Spain from Eurovision in its history. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In the interview Urtasun said: "We have...
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Austria: “We Hope to See Israel Participate in Eurovision”

Austria: “We Hope to See Israel Participate in Eurovision”

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amid controversy over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, and after Slovenia officially declared withdrawal if Israel competes—Austria, the host country, firmly stands by Israel! The Director General of the Austrian national broadcaster, Ronald Weissmann, announced in an interview that he “hopes to see Israel participate in the contest.” This statement carries significant weight for Israel, particularly one day after Slovenia, led by Ksenija Horvat, declared it would withdraw if Israel takes part. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Weissmann himself spoke in favor of Israel’s participation at the recent European Broadcasting Union (EBU) assembly, with Austria among the countries supporting Israel—alongside Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Cyprus, and, according to some reports, also Italy. The EBU confirmed that its 95th General Assembly will take place in Geneva on December 4–5. It has not yet been confirmed whether a vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision will occur, but it is assumed the matter could be raised on December 4, the first day of...
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Save The Date: Expected Vote on Israel’s Eurovision Participation Scheduled

Save The Date: Expected Vote on Israel’s Eurovision Participation Scheduled

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EBU set December 4th–5th for its 95th General Assembly in Geneva. A vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 may take place then The EBU confirmed today that its 95th General Assembly will be held in Geneva on December 4th–5th. While it has not yet been formally announced that a vote will be held regarding Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, it is highly likely that such a vote will take place during the assembly. Traditionally, the first day of the General Assembly is dedicated to formal matters, which makes December 4th the likely date for the potential vote on Israel’s participation. If the assembly concludes without such a vote, Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, will be ensured, as there will be no further opportunity to hold a vote before the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No National Broadcaster Has Officially Requested Israel’s Expulsion This week, the Dutch division of...
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EBU: “No Country Has Officially Requested Israel’s Exclusion from Eurovision!”

EBU: “No Country Has Officially Requested Israel’s Exclusion from Eurovision!”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EBU revealed today that no national broadcaster has officially submitted a request to exclude Israel from Eurovision! So, what is all the commotion about, and will Israel take part in Eurovision 2026? Over recent months, we have witnessed a growing public storm over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026. At the beginning of July, a meeting was held in London where delegates from EBU member states discussed, among other topics, Israel’s place in the upcoming contest. Slovenia and Iceland threatened to withdraw from Eurovision if Israel were to participate, with the latter confirming just days ago its own participation in Eurovision 2026. Alongside them, Belgium, Ireland, and Spain have been leading an anti-Israeli stance within the EBU. Could all this uproar against Israel ultimately fail to produce an actual exclusion from Eurovision? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No National Broadcaster Has Requested Israel’s Expulsion The Dutch branch of Luxembourg’s national broadcaster, RTL Nieuws, revealed today that not...
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Because of Israel? Eurovision Will Allow Withdrawal Without Sanctions – Until December!

Because of Israel? Eurovision Will Allow Withdrawal Without Sanctions – Until December!

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A major shift? The EBU now lets countries withdraw without financial penalty until December—potentially due to Israeli participation, with a decision expected at that time. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which stirred controversy last week by releasing a video about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, appears to be changing its approach. In a rare move, the EBU has extended the deadline for penalty-free withdrawal from Eurovision from October to December, coinciding with when the decision about Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 will be made. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to a Ynet report, the EBU’s new timeline lets broadcasters withdraw from the contest without financial penalty until December—a move likely intended to accommodate those wanting to reconsider if Israel is approved to compete. This flexibility seems designed to ease concerns for countries opposed to Israel’s participation. So far, only Slovenia and Iceland have threatened to withdraw if Israel participates. Notably, Iceland recently confirmed its...
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Despite Threats: Iceland Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026

Despite Threats: Iceland Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026

by Aviad Berger Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After months of speculation, threats, and calls to ban Israel from the contest, Iceland confirms their participation in Eurovision 2026 Iceland has officially confirmed its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. On the website of the national broadcaster RÚV, a banner announced the opening of song submissions for the Söngvakeppnin, which will determine Iceland’s representative to the international stage. The announcement brings an end to much speculation regarding the country’s future in the competition, officially positioning Iceland as part of the event set for next year. Iceland is the 24th country to express interest in participating in Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. As previously reported on EuroMix, amidst the "Iron Swords" war, the Chairman of the Board of the Icelandic national broadcaster, Stefán Jón Hafstein, called for Israel to be barred from participating in Eurovision 2026. He even suggested allowing only independent Israeli artists under a neutral...
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Never Stops for a Moment: Another Tremendous Achievement for Yuval Raphael!

Never Stops for a Moment: Another Tremendous Achievement for Yuval Raphael!

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Yuval Raphael, continues to captivate audiences. After receiving three nominations in Kan Gimel’s annual chart, Raphael secures another major nomination Yuval Raphael, Israel’s representative at Eurovision 2025, is nominated for Ynet and Galgalatz’s Breakthrough of the Year, while her song "New Day Will Rise" is nominated for Song of the Year. After winning the televote at Eurovision and claiming a final second place, even before releasing additional singles, Israeli listeners and radio stations are showering Raphael with admiration and recognition. Recently, Kan Gimel radio station revealed that Raphael is nominated in three categories: Breakthrough of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year. Now, in the chart of Israel’s most listened-to radio station, Galgalatz, in partnership with leading news website Ynet, Raphael is again up for prestigious awards. Recently, she also announced her debut performance on October 9th at the Tel Aviv Amphitheater. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision...
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Eurovision Participation at Risk? This Is What the EBU Said About Israel!

Eurovision Participation at Risk? This Is What the EBU Said About Israel!

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EBU sparked controversy after releasing a video highlighting Gaza testimonies and strongly criticizing Israel. Could Israel's participation in Eurovision be at risk? The controversial video: EBU published a video about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, criticizing the Israeli government and claiming authorities are undermining press freedom by barring foreign journalists from entering the territory. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The footage presents testimonies about growing hunger due to a shortage of food and basic goods. In the official statement attached, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk was quoted as saying that hunger in Gaza is “a direct result of Israeli Government action”.   הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם   ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎European Broadcasting Union‎‏ (@‏‎ebu_hq‎‏)‎‏ Allegations of Suppressing Press Freedom According to the EBU’s statement, Israeli authorities are preventing international media outlets from accessing Gaza and covering the situation. The footage included in the video was filmed by local Palestinian journalists, who the EBU said face...
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Israel’s Eurovision Representatives to Perform at Memorial Marking Two Years Since October 7th Massacre

Israel’s Eurovision Representatives to Perform at Memorial Marking Two Years Since October 7th Massacre

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Yuval Raphael, Eden Golan, and former Israeli Eurovision representatives will join a ceremony led by "Kumu" with families of victims and hostages, blending music with remembrance and resilience. On the second anniversary of the October 7th massacre, a special memorial ceremony will take place, initiated by the movement "Kumu" (Wake Up) and the families of murdered and kidnapped victims. Prominent figures from Israel’s Eurovision legacy will take part, artists who have represented the cultural voice of the nation for more than 50 years. The event, organized by "Kumu" founders Yonatan Shimriz and Omri Shifroni, is designed not only to honor the memory of the victims but also to strengthen public advocacy for the release of the hostages. For many, the presence of Eurovision performers symbolizes a broad cultural and national consensus in the demand for justice and remembrance. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Israeli Eurovision Stars on Stage As revealed on the Facebook page of the entertainment show “Erev Tov”...
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What Did the Eurovision Director Say About Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026?

What Did the Eurovision Director Say About Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026?

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Martin Green, Eurovision Director, gave an interview today following Vienna’s announcement as host city. Is the European Broadcasting Union shifting course and abandoning its neutral stance on Israel’s Eurovision participation? Today (Wednesday), after Vienna was chosen as the host city for Eurovision 2026, the contest’s director, Martin Green, gave an interview to the Austrian national broadcaster ORF. In the interview, he spoke about the participation of countries in the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In his remarks, Green emphasized that artists in the competition represent only the national and independent broadcasters, not governments. He added that political conflicts “which we all hope will end” are not connected to the contest. However, he noted that the coming months would be devoted to reviewing the participation of certain countries in Eurovision. Eurovision news outlets reported on the interview and cited his statement that “Israel’s participation in Eurovision will be reviewed in the coming months”. While Green did not specifically mention Israel, it is reasonable to...
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