• Four countries, including Spain and Ireland, have pulled out of Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's participation amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
• The European Broadcasting Union cleared Israel to compete, igniting backlash and calls for boycotts from multiple national broadcasters.
• Discussions continue among other nations, including Iceland and Belgium, about their participation in the contest.
• The controversies have raised concerns over the impact on the Eurovision budget and show quality for its 70th anniversary.
• Experts predict this may be one of the most politically charged editions in Eurovision's history.

Following the announcement that Israel would be allowed to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, four countries — Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia — declared their intention to withdraw, citing concerns over Israel's actions in the Gaza conflict. This decision came after a meeting of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), where no vote was held specifically on Israel’s participation despite a growing disquiet among some members about the situation in Gaza, which has left over 70,000 people dead according to health authorities in the territory, which some experts, including U.N. affiliates, have labeled genocidal. The boycott is seen as placing political discord at the forefront of the usually festive event, an annual celebration of music watched by millions worldwide, according to Los Angeles Times and Channel News Asia.

During the EBU's assembly, members chose to implement stricter rules aimed at minimizing government influence and manipulation in voting processes, following allegations regarding Israel’s prior voting practices. However, this did not extend to excluding any nation from participation, which sparked outrage among several broadcasters. Spain’s RTVE stressed that the situation in Gaza, despite a ceasefire, intensified its decision, asserting that “Israel's use of the contest for political purposes makes it increasingly difficult to maintain Eurovision as a neutral cultural event,” according to AA and BBC.

In neighboring Iceland, officials have announced that they will discuss their participation in the contest, underlining concerns over Israel's inclusion. The Icelandic Foreign Minister highlighted the necessity for increased humanitarian support in Gaza, reflecting a significant governmental stance against the possibilities of participating alongside Israel, as outlined by AA.

The ramifications of these withdrawals could significantly impact the budget for Eurovision, especially given the pulling out of major contributors like Spain and Ireland, both of which are historically integral to the contest. The Austrian host broadcaster, ORF, acknowledged that while financial implications would arise, they expect to manage a successful event regardless of the withdrawals. “The show will not suffer in any way," said ORF chief Roland Weissmann, as reported by Reuters and Reuters.

Israel, however, has voiced its determination to continue competing, interpreting the decision to allow its entry as a triumph over those who oppose its participation in the international music arena. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed hope that the Eurovision would continue to support cultural and musical cooperation between nations, as stated in discussions on various platforms, including social media, according to South China Morning Post and US National Library of Medicine.