ICELAND has become the fifth country to boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in protest at Israel, its national broadcaster confirmed.
The Nordic country joins Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia in staying away from next May’s contest in Vienna.
The others walked away last week after European Broadcasting Union members agreed not to hold a vote to suspend Israel over the Gaza war.
Iceland’s Media Minister Logi Einarsson said it would be “unfortunate” to compete against Israel.
Stefan Eiriksson, head of national broadcaster RÚV, said: “There is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand.”
Israel’s singer Yuval Raphael won the public televote in this year’s Eurovision, despite protests against the war in Gaza.
But a lower jury score meant she came second to Austria’s JJ overall.
The European Broadcasting Union met on earlier in the month to discuss Israel’s participation amid growing calls for them to be removed, due to the nation’s conflict with Palestine.
It was announced that “targeted changes” would be brought in for the 2026 contest in Vienna which are “designed to reinforce trust, transparency and the neutrality of the event.”
The changes being introduced will allow any EBU members which wish to participate in the contest, agree to comply by the rules and are eligible, will be able to take part.
However, minutes after the announcement, Spain, one of the contest’s “Big Five” competitors – which provide the most financial backing – said it was withdrawing.
The nation’s broadcaster RTVE, as well as Ireland’s RTE, will not compete or broadcast the show.
A spokesperson for the Irish broadcaster said: “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.
“RTÉ remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denial of access to international journalists to the territory.”
Spain’s RTVE secretary general Alfonso Morales said suggested measures were “insufficient,” adding: “We would like to express our serious doubts about the participation of Israeli broadcaster KAN in Eurovision 2026.
“The situation in Gaza, despite the ceasefire and the approval of the peace process, and Israel’s use of the contest for political purposes, make it increasingly difficult to maintain Eurovision as a neutral cultural event.”
