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Dutch Broadcaster Threatens Eurovision Boycott Over Israeli Participation
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros has announced it will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if israel is allowed to compete. The decision stems from concerns regarding the ongoing Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip and questions surrounding press freedom within Israel.
Avrotros cited the “long and severe suffering of people in the Gaza Strip” as a key factor in its stance. The broadcaster also expressed criticism of what it described as “proven intervention” by Israel in past competitions, alleging the event was used as a political tool.
The Netherlands is not alone in its concerns. Ireland,a seven-time Eurovision winner,has similarly stated it will boycott the contest should Israel be represented. In May, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez publicly called for Israel’s exclusion from the competition.
Avrotros indicated it would “be happy to participate next year” if the european Broadcasting Association (EBU), which organizes Eurovision in cooperation with over 35 member organizations, decides to bar Israel from the contest.
This year’s Eurovision, held in Basel, Switzerland, was won by Austrian singer JJ with the song “Wasted Love.”
