Israel’s appearance in next year’s Eurovision remains in doubt after a decision by the organisers to push back until December a vote on its participation because of the ceasefire in Gaza.
Austria, which is due to host the 2026 contest after its win last year, has praised the delaying of the poll.
Its official broadcaster ORF said the move “helped maintain the unity and credibility of the contest.”
Eurovision is regularly overshadowed by internal wrangling over current and political affairs but this split is arguably the worst crisis the competition has faced.
Since the Oct. 7 attacks of 2023, Israel has competed in two Eurovision contests, both held against a backdrop of protest.
Because of the ceasefire in Gaza, the organizers decided to postpone a vote on Israel’s participation until December, casting doubt on the country’s ability to compete in next year’s Eurovision.
The European Broadcasting Union said Monday evening that it was calling off a November meeting in order to put an end to calls from a number of nations that threatened to boycott the event if Israel’s admission was upheld.
Austria, which won the election last year and will host the 2026 competition, has praised the poll’s postponement. According to its official broadcaster, ORF, the action “helped maintain the unity and credibility of the contest.”. “..”.
A final decision date has not been set, but it is said that talks will resume as soon as it is more certain whether the ceasefire will last.
Internal arguments about current and political issues frequently overshadow Eurovision, but this division is possibly the worst crisis the competition has ever encountered.
Since the Oct. In the wake of the 2023 attacks, Israel has participated in two Eurovision competitions, both of which were accompanied by protests. In Basel earlier this year, protesters tried to rush onto the stage to interrupt Israeli singer Yuval Raphael’s performance, while thousands gathered in Sweden in 2024 to protest Israel’s involvement.
Ynet claims that the EBU has “unofficially” informed Israeli delegates that they must temporarily leave the competition. Alternatively, Israel must compete under a neutral flag, just like Russian athletes did at the most recent Olympic Games, if they want to stay in the competition.
