GENEVA, 02 Dec. - (ANA) - Countries participating in the Eurovision Song Contest may vote on whether Israel can compete in 2026, as some nations threaten to withdraw if it is not excluded due to its genocidal conduct in Gaza.

 

European Broadcasting Union members will convene to discuss new rules designed to prevent governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters after controversy this year over Israel's second-place win.

 

If members are not convinced the rules are adequate, there will be a vote on participation, the EBU said, without naming Israel specifically.

 

Public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands have all threatened to boycott the event, scheduled for May in Austria, if Israel is allowed to take part, citing concern over the country's onslaught on Gaza, which has killed more than 70,000 people and flattened most of the territory.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/02 December 2025 - - -