Israel continues to stick to the desire to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest next year. That is what the Israeli broadcaster announces on Monday. According to broadcasting director Golan Jochpaz, there is “no reason why Israel would not remain an important part of this cultural event.”
Several European countries have now reported to the organizer, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), to withdraw when Israel is participating in the song competition in 2026.
The Dutch public broadcaster, together with AVROTROS, also announced that the Netherlands will not participate in the competition if Israel is also present. The broadcaster announces in a statement that the ‘participation of Israel in the current situation is no longer [kan] In view of the constant and serious human suffering in Gaza ”. In addition, Spain, Slovenia, Ireland and Iceland, among others, said they would withdraw.
The EBU announced in December that it will make a decision about the participation of Israel. The Israeli broadcaster Jochpaz emphasizes that his country likes to be present and the Songfestival “should not become political under any circumstances.”
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