• Eurovision is facing its biggest boycott in its 70-year history after Israel nearly won last year’s contest.
  • Five broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia have withdrawn from the 2026 contest in protest at Israel’s inclusion.
  • Anti-Israel protests erupted at last year’s final in Basel, and Israeli singer Yuval Raphael was targeted by two attackers.
  • The public voted for Israel more than any other participant, but some broadcasters questioned the result due to calls from the Israeli government to vote up to 20 times.
  • The EBU confirmed the vote was independently verified and found no evidence of improper influence.
  • Reasons for the boycott include protest against the military offensive in Gaza and accusations of genocide, which Israel denies.

Sources & Links