Dutch Broadcaster Threatens Eurovision Withdrawal if israel Participates in 2026 Contest
Amsterdam, Netherlands – The Dutch public broadcaster, AVROTROS, announced today it will withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song contest in Vienna if Israel is permitted to compete, citing “continuous and severe human suffering in Gaza.” The move escalates growing international pressure surrounding IsraelS participation in the popular music competition amidst the ongoing conflict.
AVROTROS stated its decision stems from “deep concern about the serious erosion of press freedom: the deliberate exclusion of independent international reports and the numerous casualties between journalists” in the region. The broadcaster indicated it will await a decision from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) regarding Israel’s inclusion before finalizing its preparations for the contest, scheduled for May 12th (semifinals) and 16th (final) in 2026.
The Netherlands’ stance follows similar declarations from Ireland’s RTE and Slovenia, with Iceland also indicating a potential withdrawal. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has directly called for Israel’s expulsion from the competition.
The EBU, which organizes Eurovision, acknowledged the “deeply rooted concerns and opinions about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East” and announced it is indeed consulting with its members, giving them until mid-December to decide on their participation. “It depends on each member to decide if they want to participate in the contest and we would respect any decision made by the broadcasters,” said Martin Green, Eurovision’s director.
This growing controversy highlights the increasing intersection of politics and entertainment. While Russia was excluded from Eurovision following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Israel has continued to compete despite mounting criticism. Dozens of past Eurovision participants, including 2024 winner Nemo from Switzerland, have publicly called for Israel’s exclusion.
The pressure extends beyond broadcasters. A coalition of over 3,000 artists and industry professionals, including prominent figures like Emma Stone, Ayo Edebiri, and Javier Bardem, recently pledged to boycott Israeli cinematographic institutions, alleging involvement in “genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people,” according to the Palestine cinema Workers Group.
Despite the protests, israeli singer Yuval Raphael finished second in this year’s contest, held in Basel, Switzerland. The Dutch broadcaster’s ultimatum represents a notable escalation in the debate, potentially forcing the EBU to confront a difficult decision with far-reaching implications for the future of the Eurovision Song Contest.
