Eurovision

The Irish Broadcasting Corporation announced its intention not to participate in or broadcast the upcoming Eurovision due to Israel's participation in the song contest

EBU approves new rule allowing Eurovision winner to be denied hosting rights over security or geopolitical concerns

The European Broadcasting Union is tightening its rules ahead of 2027 and will be able to deny a winning country the right to host the contest “for security or geopolitical reasons”

In protest of Israel's participation, Spanish broadcaster RTVE briefly blacked out its screen and with a slide that read “Eurovision is a competition, but human rights are not.”

Noam Bettan completes his performance without losing composure, saying he 'focused on the Israeli flags'

The live semi-final is scheduled for Tuesday night, with Israel set to perform tenth. According to betting agencies, Bettan is widely expected to qualify for Saturday’s grand final

The European Broadcasting Union issued a formal warning to Israeli broadcaster KAN over promotional videos. The warning comes amid ongoing controversy over Israel's participation.

The initiative, led by Creative Community for Peace, highlights music’s role as a unifying force. In the letter, supporters say Eurovision should remain a platform for connection rather than division

The track, “Michelle,” will be performed by Noam Bettan and was announced by public broadcaster Kan

The proposal calls for inviting a Palestinian artist to perform a special act outside the official competition, described by the executives as a way to “balance” public discourse

Noam Bettan won Tuesday night’s finale of The Next Star for Eurovision and will represent Israel at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna after topping both the judges’ and public vote

The first semifinal is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, followed by the second semifinal on Thursday, May 14

Israel is given a 10% chance of victory, edging out Sweden (9%) and Ukraine (7%)

“Public debate in the country and reactions to the EBU's decision make it clear that our participation would bring neither joy nor a sense of peace.”

“We will not participate of our own free will, because many people have suffered and are still suffering in Palestine and, of course, also in Israel. In solidarity, this is not a time for celebration"

EBU vote calls that Israel will participate in the Eurovision 2026 contest despite boycott calls; as Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, and the Netherlands announce their withdrawl from the singing competition

Broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands were among the first to signal possible boycotts if Israel remains in the contest

This postponement comes following the "recent developments in the Middle East" and the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

'I find it scandalous that this is even being discussed – Israel belongs in Eurovision;' EBU members will decide in early November whether Israel will be allowed to participate in Eurovision 2026

Five countries, including Spain, have threatened to boycott if Israel competes, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen raised the prospect of sanctions earlier this month

The EBU has scheduled a general meeting, to be held online in early November, where members will cast an official vote either for or against Israel’s entry in the 2026 competition.

While several European countries have already voiced similar threats, Spain is the first member of the “Big Five” financial contributors to take such a stance

The EBU is accused of discrimination after the repeated exclusion of Israeli representatives

JJ, Austrian Eurovision winner, denounced Israeli participation in the competition and criticized the public voting system for a lack of transparency