Broadcasters abandon Eurovision over Israel inclusion, but global audiences still rally behind Israeli resilience and talent.
National broadcasters in Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia have announced they will not air this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, protesting Israel’s participation despite its approval by the European Broadcasting Union. Slovenia’s RTV confirmed a complete blackout, choosing instead to air a series titled “Voices of Palestine,” while Spain’s RTVE will skip the broadcast for the first time since 1961. Ireland’s RTÉ had already withdrawn both participation and coverage months earlier.
The boycott follows similar decisions by the Netherlands and Iceland to withdraw from competing, although both will still air the event. Israel’s inclusion, cleared under official rules, has sparked political backlash rather than disqualification, highlighting tensions spilling into cultural platforms.
Despite organized opposition, Israel’s presence remains strong, with Noam Bettan set to perform “Michelle” in multiple languages at the Vienna-hosted competition. Previous years have shown a clear divide between institutional resistance and public sentiment, as Israeli performers continue to receive significant support from global audiences.
