Spain, Iceland among five countries boycotting Eurovision 2026 over Israel's participation

Key facts

• Spain's state broadcaster RTVE voted to withdraw if Israel competed; president José Pablo López cited 'genocide' in Gaza.
• Iceland's RÚV was the last broadcaster to withdraw, citing 'disunity' and precedent of Russia's ban.
• Israel's entry Yuval Raphael won the public vote in 2025, later scrutinized over alleged paid online campaign.
• Austria hosts Eurovision 2026 after winning in 2025.
• A UN probe in September 2025 found Israel had 'flagrantly disregarded' international law and 'orchestrated a genocidal campaign'.
• EBU set December 2025 deadline for broadcasters to decide participation.

Boycott widens as five nations skip Vienna contest

Eurovision 2026 opens in Vienna this month with five countries absent, including one of the 'Big Five' financial backers, as a boycott over Israel's participation fractures the annual song contest. Spain's state broadcaster RTVE voted last September to withdraw if Israel was allowed to compete, and its president José Pablo López declared that 'the current events and the genocide currently taking place make it impossible for us to look the other way.' Iceland's RÚV became the last broadcaster to withdraw before the EBU's December 2025 deadline, stating that Israel's participation had 'created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union and the general public.'

EBU under pressure as Israel competes amid Gaza war

The Eurovision Broadcasting Union faced calls to ban Israel from the 2024 and 2025 contests after the war in Gaza began, but both events proceeded as planned. Performers including the UK's 2025 entrant Olly Alexander came under pressure to pull out, and viewing figures declined as longtime fans boycotted. Last year Austria won the contest, earning the right to host this year, but Israel's entry Yuval Raphael topped the public vote — a result later questioned amid reports that an Israeli government agency paid for an online campaign to promote the act. Israel has consistently denied committing genocide in Gaza, but a UN probe in September 2025 found that Israel had 'flagrantly disregarded' international law and 'orchestrated a genocidal campaign for almost two years now.'

Spain and Iceland lead withdrawals with pointed statements

Spain's RTVE board voted to withdraw if Israel participated, with López arguing that Eurovision 'carries significant political implications' and that Israel 'leverages the event on the international stage.' Iceland's RÚV noted that 'various Icelandic stakeholders, such as artist associations and the general public, were opposed to participation,' and pointed to the precedent of Russia's ban after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. RÚV had requested the EBU to exclude Israel's broadcaster Kan 'in accordance to precedents,' but the EBU declined. The five absent countries join a growing list of nations and fans who have boycotted the contest over Israel's involvement.

Israel's delegation braces for protests and security challenges

As Eurovision begins in Vienna, Israel's delegation, led by Noam Bettan, is preparing for boos, Palestinian flags and complex security scenarios. New voting rules threaten to weaken Israel's public support, though the team remains focused on victory. The contest takes place against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with four countries officially boycotting and many viewers staying away. The EBU has not commented on the security arrangements for Israel's delegation.

Boycott reflects deeper divisions over Israel's participation

The boycott is the latest chapter in a controversy that has dogged Eurovision since Israel's entry in 2024. The EBU, which organizes the contest, has defended Israel's right to participate, citing its membership in the European Broadcasting Union. Critics argue that the EBU's decision undermines the contest's stated values of peace and unity. The withdrawal of Spain, a 'Big Five' nation whose broadcaster makes one of the largest financial contributions, signals a significant rift within the organization.

Outlook: Contest proceeds but future uncertain

Eurovision 2026 will go ahead as planned in Vienna, but the boycott and falling viewership raise questions about the contest's future. The EBU has not indicated whether it will reconsider Israel's participation for future years. For now, the show continues, but the divisions exposed by the boycott may prove difficult to heal. The five absent countries have not said whether they will return if Israel is allowed to compete again.

The bottom line

• Five countries, including Spain (a 'Big Five' nation), are boycotting Eurovision 2026 over Israel's participation.
• Spain's RTVE and Iceland's RÚV explicitly cited the war in Gaza and a UN genocide finding as reasons for withdrawal.
• Israel's delegation faces protests and security challenges in Vienna; new voting rules may reduce its public support.
• The EBU has not banned Israel despite precedents like Russia's exclusion after invading Ukraine.
• Viewing figures have declined as longtime fans boycott the contest over Israel's involvement.
• The UN probe in September 2025 found Israel had 'orchestrated a genocidal campaign' in Gaza; Israel denies this.