A proposal was raised in closed-door discussions within the European Broadcasting Union to remove Israel from Eurovision Europe and transfer it to the new competition being developed in Asia, ynet learned Monday.
According to two sources who spoke with ynet, the proposal was discussed while exploratory talks were held with countries that have already joined Eurovision Asia, as well as with countries currently negotiating to join, regarding the possibility of moving Israel. According to those sources, there was partial opposition to the idea, and it is doubtful the move could ultimately be implemented — certainly not in the coming year, since the Asian competition is scheduled to take place in November.
“Geographically,” a source familiar with the details told ynet, “Israel is located in Asia, which is why the issue was examined. Eurovision Asia also will follow the principle of ‘united by music,’ and that is what matters. No decisions have been made yet, but this option was placed on the table. Eurovision Asia is still in its infancy, and many aspects are being explored.”
If the European Broadcasting Union ultimately decides to push ahead with the move, it would of course need to involve Israel and include it in the decision-making process — something that has not yet happened.
Eurovision Asia is set to be held for the first time this year, with the final competition scheduled for November in Bangkok. The new initiative has so far attracted countries including South Korea, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Nepal.
Israel’s participation in Eurovision in recent years has sparked major controversy, reaching a peak this year with the withdrawal of the Netherlands, Spain, Slovenia, Ireland and Iceland from the contest. The European Broadcasting Union supported Israel’s right to participate, but did introduce new rules following complaints regarding Israel, including reducing the influence of televoting in the semifinals by allocating 50% of the voting power to juries.
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Noam Bettan walks the turquoise carpet at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna
(Photo: Yuval Chen)
In addition, just last week the European Broadcasting Union reprimanded Israeli public broadcaster Kan over a broadcast that allegedly violated contest rules by urging viewers to vote 10 times for Noam Bettan. Other countries made similar appeals, but, according to critics, the EBU responded more mildly in those cases.
Responding to ynet’s inquiry, the European Broadcasting Union said that “discussions are ongoing with additional broadcasters regarding participation in the November event,” adding that countries competing in Eurovision Europe would not be eligible to participate in Eurovision Asia.
“The event, like Eurovision, will be inclusive and celebrate the fact that we are united by music. Decisions regarding participation are made by the organizers,” the EBU said.
First published: 12:34, 05.11.26