Several Countries Boycott Eurovision 2026 Over Israel’s Participation. Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia will boycott Eurovision 2026 after Israel’s participation was confirmed. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided there was no need for a vote on Israel’s participation, despite calls for exclusion over Gaza and alleged unfair voting practices. Spain’s RTVE expressed distrust in Eurovision’s organization, while Ireland’s RTÉ condemned the participation, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The EBU introduced new measures to prevent governments from organizing biased voting campaigns, but members agreed to proceed without deciding on Israel’s participation. Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the decision, calling it a victory for cultural understanding and solidarity. Israel’s broadcaster KAN denounced the attempt to disqualify Israel as a cultural boycott, warning it could set a dangerous precedent. Several European broadcasters, including those from the Netherlands and Spain, announced they would withdraw from the contest, citing incompatibility with their public values. Despite the boycott, some countries, like Germany, expressed support for Eurovision’s decision, emphasizing cultural diversity and solidarity.