Eurovision chaos: Israel in, several countries out - Full boycott list

Israel's participation in Eurovision 2026

The General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva approved the new Eurovision rules announced last month, without requiring an additional vote specifically on Israel’s participation.

"A large majority of Members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place," the EBU statement said.

According to the report, a total of 1,122 votes were counted:

• 738 voted in favor of the new rules and against holding an additional vote,

• 264 voted against the new rules and in favor of a separate vote,

• 120 abstained.

The new regulations have been approved by a large majority . EBU members will not hold another vote on the participation of members. Israel WILL compete in #Eurovision2026 #Eurovision #EurovisionGR #esc #esc2026 pic.twitter.com/5OwJpCBldi

— Eurovisionfun (@eurovisionfn) December 4, 2025

Thus, Israel remains among the participants of the contest - a decision that has angered several other broadcasters who had pushed for the country’s exclusion over the war in Gaza.

Countries to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 - Full list

Following the EBU’s decision, several countries announced they will not take part in the 2026 contest. The Netherlands, Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland have all withdrawn.

These broadcasters cite the humanitarian situation in Gaza and concerns over potentially unfair voting as key reasons. The Dutch broadcaster stated that participation under current circumstances does not align with the country’s public values, while Spain confirmed it will also refrain from airing the semifinals and the final of Eurovision 2026.

Sources: Eurovision World, BBC, CNN.