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Israel cleared for Eurovision 2026 in EBU vote

04 December 2025 21:55 (UTC +04:00)

Israel will be allowed to compete in the 2026 Eurovision, following an overwhelming vote by European Broadcasting Union members to adopt a series of reforms rather than force a referendum on whether to oust the country amid anger over the war against Hamas in Gaza, APA reports citing Times of Israel.

Responding to the decision, the public broadcasters of Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia immediately announced that they would follow through on their threats to quit the competition in protest.

The vote and decision capped a dramatic meeting of the EBU general assembly in Geneva, where members argued for and against Israel’s participation and the ramifications of either decision.

Ultimately, the EBU said that “a large majority of members” was satisfied with a package of reforms to the Eurovision unveiled last month, and “agreed that there was no need for a further vote” on whether Israel could participate.

“This vote means that all EBU members who wish to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and agree to comply with the new rules are eligible to take part,” the EBU added in its statement.