The Eurovision Song Contest is facing one of its most serious crises as several national broadcasters announce they will not participate in the 2026 edition due to Israel’s continued inclusion amid the war in Gaza.

The boycott was confirmed Thursday after Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands each released statements declaring they would withdraw from the event unless Israel is excluded.

RTV Slovenia was among the first to reiterate that it “will not take part in the competition” alongside Israel, stressing that its position is rooted in “peace, respect and equality among nations.”

Spain’s broadcaster RTVE followed, arguing that the situation in Gaza “despite the ceasefire and peace process,” and Israel’s alleged “political use of the contest,” threaten the event’s cultural neutrality.

Ireland’s RTÉ said participating “would be unconscionable given the appalling loss of life and humanitarian devastation in Gaza,” while the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS linked its decision to “extreme humanitarian suffering” and raised concerns about “political interference” in Eurovision’s decision-making.

Despite these objections, attempts by several broadcasters—including Slovenia, Spain, Montenegro, Türkiye, Algeria, Iceland, and the Netherlands—to force a secret vote on Israel’s participation were rejected during Thursday’s gathering of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Instead, members only voted on whether to proceed under the contest’s current rules, which do not include reconsidering Israel’s eligibility.

Ksenija Horvat, director of TV Slovenia, criticized the EBU’s stance, arguing that “the organization could have taken a principled position,” noting that Russia was banned just a week after its invasion of Ukraine. “

For more than a year, we have warned that we cannot share a stage with a country responsible for genocide in Gaza,” she said, also reminding members that foreign journalists remain barred from the enclave and civilians continue to face “unbearable humanitarian circumstances.”

Natalija Gorscak, head of RTV’s board, added that last year’s Israeli performance had political elements, saying broadcasters were being held “hostage to the political interests of the Israeli government.”

Israel’s public broadcaster KAN confirmed it had engaged in intensive discussions to prevent possible disqualification, receiving support from President Isaac Herzog.

Austria, which will host the 2026 edition in Vienna, backed Israel’s participation, while Germany’s SWR—one of Eurovision’s largest financial contributors—expressed “deep regret” about the boycott but said a vote against Israel was unnecessary.

The dispute comes as pressure on Israel’s involvement grows amid criticism of the humanitarian toll in Gaza. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and injured nearly 171,000 others. UN experts have described the campaign as genocide.

Israel has competed in Eurovision since 1973 as its broadcaster is a member of the EBU. While Russia was excluded in 2022, Israel has continued participating despite widespread protests, public backlash, and boycotts throughout the past two years.

The EBU confirmed Thursday that Israel will be permitted to participate in the 2026 contest, which will mark Eurovision’s 70th anniversary.

Belgium and Iceland said they will review the issue further before making a final decision on their participation.