German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his country should withdraw from Eurovision if Israel is disqualified.
In an interview on a program of the German public broadcaster, the chancellor was asked whether Germany should withdraw in such a case. He replied: “I will support that. I think it’s a scandal at all that this is being discussed; Israel belongs in Eurovision.”
Germany is one of the important countries in Eurovision and is among the “Big Five” funders, so this statement could change the complexion of the vote on whether to exclude Israel, which will take place in November.
So far four countries have vetoed Israel’s participation in the contest: Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Ireland. In contrast, many other countries have announced they will participate regardless, among them: France, Denmark, Croatia, Malta, Australia and of course the host, Austria — which is considered a strong supporter of Israel’s participation in Eurovision. To prevent the disqualification, Israel needs 18 countries to oppose its removal.