Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia withdraw from Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's participation

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) members, amongthem participating countries including Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland, did not take steps to disqualify Israel despiteboycott threats. Today,at the EBU General Assembly meeting heldin Geneva, some of the members Although a request was made for a secret ballot regarding Israel's participation in the contest, no vote was held.

In a statement issued by the EBU, it was stated that, "The vast majority of members agreed that there is no need for an additional vote on participation and that the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest should proceed as planned with additional security measures in place."

Following the official confirmation of Israel's participation in the70th edition of the contest to be held next year,the Netherlands, Spain, Slovenia, and Irelandannounced one after another that they would withdraw from the competition.

The Dutch public broadcasterAvrotros stated, "Under the current circumstances, participation is incompatible with the social values we uphold."

In a statement by Spain's public broadcaster RTVE,itwas stated that, "The RTVEboard of directors decided lastSeptemberthat if Israelparticipates in the contest, Spain would withdraw from Eurovision." The decision was madestated. This withdrawal alsomeans that RTVE will not broadcast the Eurovision 2026 final and the semi-finalrounds," they stated.

"RTE believes that Ireland's participation would be contrary to conscienceandprinciples."is before"

In a statement made by Neil O'Gorman, Director of Communications at Ireland's national radio and television broadcaster RTE,it was announced that the institution would not participate in the contest and would not broadcast it.In thestatement,it was stated, "RTE,in light of the horrificevents in Gaza,the loss of lifeand the humanitarian crisis a large numberof civilians continue to be at risk, and consideringthis situation,it was concluded that Ireland's participation would be against its conscience,asthought.is before. The RTE continues to express concern overthe targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the fact that internationaljournalists' accessto the regionis still being obstructed," it was stated.

"Russia's participation was rejected, but they cannot find the courageto reject Israel."

Following the EBU General Assembly meeting,Slovenia's public broadcaster RTV SloveniaManagement Board ChairNatalija Gorscak announced that Slovenia would also not participate in the contest. Gorscak stated, "The EBU rejected Russia's participation after its attacks on Ukraine. However, now, it cannot find the courageto reject Israel. Our messageis this: If Israel participates, we, in the name of the 20,000 children killed in Gaza,will not be at the Eurovision Song Contest."

The Israeli President announced that they were pleased with thedecision.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that his country deserves to be represented on every stage in the world,expressing his satisfaction with the decision. In a statementshared on social media, heInthe statement, Herzog said, "I am pleased that Israel will once again participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. This competitionis a bridgeforculture, music, friendship, andtranscending bordersI hope that its structure,which advocates for cultural understanding,will continue. I would like to thank all our friendswho defend Israel's rightto participate in and contributeto this contest," he said.

News Source: 12punto