In recent days a flurry of countries — including Ireland and The Netherlands — have stated categorically that they will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if the European Broadcasting Union allows Israel to participate. Officials in Iceland and Spain have suggested they could follow suit.
And amid countless statements and even more speculation about which countries would be in and out, the picture has gotten more complicated.
A number of media outlets have claimed that the EBU made a series of proposals to Israel’s broadcaster Kan. Israeli outlet Y Net, for instance, said sources “connected to Eurovision” had conveyed unofficial messages to Israel suggesting “temporary withdrawal or performing under a neutral flag” as an effort to resolve the ongoing participation crisis. This would, Y Net claimed, avoid what its sources called a “humiliating disqualification.” These claims were then repeated in a number of other outlets and several fan media web sites.
Well the EBU has now denied all of it. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, a spokesman said:
“The EBU has not made any proposals to Kan regarding participation in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The consultation with the wider EBU membership is ongoing and no decisions will be made until the process concludes.”
The EBU added that it “understands the concerns and deeply-held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” but said it will continue “to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Eurovision Song Contest.”
The EBU decision on whether Israel will compete next year is expected by the General Assembly meeting in December.
Where did the “neutral flag” rumours start?
The recent rumours seem to have flowed partly from the news made back in July during the EBU’s 94th General Assembly.
Stefán Jón Hafstein, Chair of RÚV — Iceland’s national broadcaster — took a key role in discussions on Israel’s participation at the EBU’s 94th General Assembly.
Ahead of the meeting, he outlined his proposals:
- Suspend Israel’s participation until international investigations are available with conclusive results.
- At most, independent Israeli artists are allowed to compete under a neutral flag provided they declare support for Eurovision’s core values, including human rights for all.
- Adhere to human rights standards in Eurovision rules, in the spirit of international sports and politics, and with the example of Russia in mind.
How has Israel responded to withdrawal threats?
On Monday, the CEO of Israel’s public broadcaster, made the broadcaster’s first public response to countries threatening to withdraw if Israel participates.
Golan Yochpaz said: “There is no reason why Israel should not continue to be a significant part of this cultural event, which cannot become political.”
He also discussed Israel’s track record at Eurovision.
“Israel is one of the most successful participants in the Eurovision contest — in the past seven years its songs and representatives have finished in 5th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st place.”
