Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest remains uncertain as the war drags on, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced an unusual step that would allow countries to withdraw from the competition because of Israel’s involvement — without facing sanctions.
European officials working with the EBU told Ynet that member states will be able to withdraw from the contest without paying a penalty fee, but only after a decision is made on whether Israel will be allowed to compete. The move is considered exceptional, since in recent years the deadline for penalty-free withdrawals was set for October. This year, however, the EBU is extending the option until December, the month when member broadcasters are expected to vote on Israel’s participation.
2 View gallery
Yuval Raphael. Israel's contestant in the 2025 Eurovision song contest
(Photo: Denis Balibouse/Reuters)
The decision suggests two possible scenarios: that the EBU is preparing for Israel’s participation and wants to ease the process for broadcasters wishing to withdraw, or that the step could open the door to a significant wave of withdrawals that might seriously jeopardize Israel’s entry even if it is approved in the vote.
The EBU has appointed an external supervisor to review Israel’s participation. That official is expected to speak with various delegations and examine the issue closely ahead of the winter vote that will determine whether Israel can take part in the contest.
A senior EBU official told Ynet after the previous meeting that “if the war continues, it will be difficult for Israel to remain in the competition.” However, the official stressed that “this is not a final decision.”
Despite heavy pressure on the EBU to expel Israel, only a few countries have threatened to withdraw if Israel competes — most notably Slovenia and Iceland. None of the larger or financially significant member states have made such threats. On the contrary, host country Austria has expressed support for Israel’s participation, sending indirect messages that it will assist with security and safety measures and that “Israel is welcome to take part.”
Separately from Eurovision, the EBU’s journalists have organized and produced a video highlighting famine in Gaza, repeating their demand that Israel allow foreign reporters access to cover events there. Notably, after the October 7 massacre, the EBU did not produce a video condemning the attack, nor did journalists unite against Hamas’ acts of terrorism.