Iceland becomes 5th country to boycott Eurovision over Israel's participation
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VÆB representing Iceland at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, in 2025. Photo: Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images
Iceland is refusing to take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest — joining Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain in protesting Israel's participation in the European singing competition by boycotting the event.
Why it matters: Eurovision is beloved by many for celebrating cultures with kitsch acts and upbeat songs. Its official slogan is "United By Music," but the Icelandic National Broadcasting Corporation (RÚV) said in a statement that Israel's participation in the contest had "created disunity" among European Broadcasting Union members and the general public.
- Israel's participation in last year's Eurovision contest in Malmö, Sweden, also drew scrutiny and massive protests over the war in Gaza.
Zoom in: RÚV's statement said public debate in Iceland and reactions to the EBU's decision last week to allow Israel to participate meant "it is clear that neither joy nor peace will prevail regarding the participation of RÚV in Eurovision."
- The statement said RÚV had requested the EBU to exclude Israeli public broadcaster KAN from the contest, adding: "It is a complex matter which has already damaged the contest's reputation and EBU, emphasizing the necessity of a solution for all concerned parties."
Zoom out: Ireland, the Netherlands Slovenia and Spain issued similar statements last week on their reasons to boycott the contest in protest at Israel being cleared to participate in it.
- Irish broadcaster RTÉ said that Ireland's participation would be "unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there."
What they're saying: Eurovision director Martin Green said in a media statement, "We respect the decision of all broadcasters who have chosen not to participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest and hope to welcome them back soon."
- KAN's chief executive Golan Yochpaz said following the first four nations' announcement that they were withdrawing from Eurovision that the "attempt to remove KAN from the contest can only be understood as a cultural boycott."
- Yochpaz said a "boycott may begin today with Israel, but no one knows where it will end or who else it may harm," adding: "Is this what we truly want this contest to be remembered for on its 70th anniversary?"
Go deeper: Israel advances to Eurovision final despite protests over its participation
