Spain has become the first of the “big five” Eurovision countries to announce it will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates. This decision comes amid growing international concerns over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and is a significant move in the ongoing debate over Israel’s involvement in the prestigious event.
What Happened
On Monday, RTVE, Spain’s national broadcaster, announced that its board members had voted to boycott the Eurovision 2026 contest if Israel is allowed to compete. The vote, carried by 10 votes to 4, was made in response to Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza. This move makes Spain the first of the “big five” countries—France, Germany, Italy, and the UK—to take such action, and comes after similar announcements from other European broadcasters.
The decision comes just as a UN commission of inquiry concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. RTVE stated in a release that it had already asked the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in July for a serious debate about Israel’s participation. The broadcaster explained that Spain’s stance was supported by other countries, and it was urged by some to take a stand due to the political situation.
Who Was Involved
RTVE: Spain’s national broadcaster, responsible for the country’s participation in Eurovision. RTVE has led the charge in calling for a review of Israel’s involvement in Eurovision, arguing that it could be inappropriate given the ongoing geopolitical crisis.
European Broadcasting Union (EBU): The governing body of Eurovision, which is in the midst of a consultation process with its 37 members about the future of the event in light of current global tensions.
Israel’s National Public Service Broadcaster, Kan: Despite the controversies, Kan has indicated that it intends to participate in the 2026 contest, with their position remaining steadfast despite international pressures.
Career/Legacy or Background
Eurovision is one of the world’s most watched entertainment events, with millions of viewers tuning in annually. The contest is known for promoting cross-cultural exchange, but its political neutrality has been called into question this year due to the conflict in Gaza.
In response to the growing polarization, several countries—Slovenia, Ireland, and the Netherlands—have already announced that they will not participate if Israel competes. This has triggered a larger discussion about whether the contest, which prides itself on being apolitical, can continue to ignore the political realities of the world stage.
Public/Social Media Reactions
The announcement has sparked significant public debate, especially across social media platforms. Fans of the Eurovision Song Contest have been vocal in their support and criticism of the decision, with some praising Spain for taking a stance on what they consider a moral issue, while others argue that Eurovision should remain an apolitical event focused purely on music. The debate has also prompted discussions about the role of art and entertainment in responding to global crises.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
Martin Green, the director of Eurovision, stated that while the EBU understands the concerns raised by members, the decision about participation will ultimately be left up to each national broadcaster. He added, “We respect any decision broadcasters make.”
With the December deadline for countries to confirm their participation in the 2026 contest fast approaching, the final lineup of participating countries remains uncertain. While some countries are preparing to withdraw, others, like Germany and Luxembourg, have indicated they will continue to engage in the consultation process.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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