Eurovision Allows Israel To Compete In 2026; Spain & The Netherlands Immediately Say They Will Boycott Competition

The row over Israel‘s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has deepened with Israel now officially allowed to compete, and some nations already boycotting.

Both the Netherlands and Spain have said they will not take part next year after a meeting of participating broadcasters said Israel would be let in.

Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said that “participation under the current circumstances is incompatible with the public values ​​that are essential to us”.

Spanish broadcaster RTVE added: “The board of directors of RTVE agreed last September that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision if Israel was part of it. This withdrawal also means that RTVE will not broadcast the Eurovision 2026 final… nor the preliminary semi-finals.”