The European Broadcasting Union has announced an extraordinary measure that will allow countries to withdraw due to Israel's participation in the competition without sanctions, ynet has learned. European sources working with the EBU told ynet that member countries will be given the option to withdraw from the competition without penalty, but only after the decision determines whether Israel will participate in Eurovision or not. This is an exceptional move, as in recent years the option to withdraw without penalty was available until October - but this year the union is extending the possibility to withdraw without imposing sanctions until December, when the vote on the Israel question is expected to take place.