EBU delays vote on Israel in 2026 Eurovision to December

The European Broadcasting Union said this week it has postponed a planned November vote on whether Israel may take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, moving the decision to an in‑person discussion at its winter general assembly in December. The announcement follows recent developments in Gaza, including a ceasefire and prisoner exchanges, and comes as broadcasters from several countries have threatened to withdraw from next year’s competition depending on the outcome.

The emergency vote was intended to decide whether Israel’s public broadcaster, a member of the EBU, could participate in the Vienna contest after widespread calls from some member broadcasters to exclude Israel in protest at its military operations in Gaza. An absolute majority of EBU members would be required to implement a ban. The EBU said the one-off November meeting was cancelled so members could hold an open, in-person debate in December and see whether the ceasefire holds before taking a final decision.

Broadcasters from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland have publicly threatened boycott if Israel is allowed to compete. Spain’s stance is especially consequential because it is one of...