Eurovision’s Israel ultimatum: withdraw ‘for one year’ or compete under ‘neutral flag’
Proposal reportedly comes after Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands threaten to pull out if Israel competes
The Eurovision song contest has reportedly told Israel that it has two options for the 2026 competition; to completely withdraw for one year or to participate – but not under the Israeli flag.
According to Israeli media sources, the contest has given Israel this ultimatum, after Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia made it clear that they would not participate in Eurovision next year if Israel is allowed to compete. The countries have cited the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza as the reason for their decision.
Reports suggest that the the move by the competitions ruling body, the Eurovision Broadcasting Union, could spare Israel from what they described as a “humiliating disqualification” driven by mounting political pressure.
The chief executive of RTÉ, Irelands’ national broadcaster, has said Ireland’s “participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”
Performing under a neutral flag—such as that of Israel’s public broadcasting corporation, KAN, has allegedly also been raised as an alternative.
Martin Green, director of Eurovision has said: “We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“We are still consulting with all EBU members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Eurovision Song Contest.”
A vote is scheduled for December in Geneva, where Eurovision’s governing body is expected to discuss whether Israel will be allowed to participate in the 2026 contest scheduled to take place in Vienna. Iceland, Spain and Slovenia are also said to be considering whether or not to take part. Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has previously called for the competition to boycott Israel.
Earlier this year, more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter calling on the organisers to ban Israel from the 2025 competition. The UK’s Green Party has called on the BBC to withdraw from the song contest coverage if Israel’s state broadcaster KAN is allowed to participate.
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