Eurovision faces boycott over decision to allow Israel

A bid to have Israel excluded from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has failed, despite growing criticism of the country’s conduct in Gaza.

International correspondent Adam Gilchrist reports that a vote among the contest’s 50 participating nations and organisers upheld Israel’s participation.

However, the country has been instructed to tone down what were described as overly aggressive promotional campaigns.

He adds that the decision has triggered a backlash, with Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia announcing plans to boycott next year’s event. 

Gilchrist explains that broadcasters from these countries say Israel’s continued inclusion undermines the contest’s apolitical spirit, especially given Russia’s earlier exclusion from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine.

Organisers reportedly faced a tense balancing act, as removing Israel would likely have prompted Germany, one of Eurovision’s major financial backers, to withdraw as well. 

"I think solving Gaza itself and Palestine and Ukraine, and Northern Ireland, might be easier than solving the Eurovision Song Contest. It's crazy, isn't it?"

To listen to Gilchrist in conversation with 702's Ray White, click below [skip to 1:38].