Four European broadcasters have announced their decision to pull out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, citing their opposition to Israel’s inclusion amid ongoing violence in the region. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia have all confirmed that they will not participate, framing their withdrawals as a stand against the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and the wider consequences of Israel’s military actions.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed Israel’s participation earlier this year, a move that has sparked widespread criticism from cultural and political commentators. For broadcasters in Spain and Ireland, both historically major contributors to Eurovision, the decision was particularly significant. RTVE, Spain’s public broadcaster, described the situation in Gaza as making it “increasingly difficult to maintain Eurovision as a neutral cultural event,” while RTE in Dublin pointed to “terrible human losses” in the region. The Dutch broadcaster Avrotros highlighted that Israel’s involvement was “incompatible” with its own values.

The withdrawals also carry symbolic weight, coming from nations with deep historical engagement in the contest. Observers suggest that further boycotts may follow, with Iceland and Belgium yet to confirm their positions. In Poland, several parliamentarians have urged their national broadcaster to adopt a similar stance, condemning the continuation of cultural events that overlook the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and the suffering of civilians. The debate underscores the broader tensions over cultural representation amid a devastating genocidal war, with European states weighing their participation against the backdrop of international scrutiny.