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Iceland Withdraws from Eurovision Song Contest Over Israel Entry
(MENAFN) Iceland has withdrawn from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the fifth nation to pull out after organizers approved Israel's participation, following exits by Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.
RUV, Iceland's state broadcaster, revealed the decision Wednesday, confirming it will withhold both its artist submission and broadcast coverage of next year's competition.
The network cited overwhelming domestic opposition to Israel's inclusion and accused the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) of dismissing legitimate concerns from participating broadcasters. RUV had pushed for a membership vote on Israel's qualification status—a proposal the EBU rejected.
"It is clear that neither joy nor peace will prevail regarding the participation of RUV in Eurovision," the broadcaster stated.
Multiple networks had previously demanded Israel's disqualification, pointing to the Gaza military campaign and suspected vote-rigging allegations during the 2025 edition that allegedly inflated Israel's final standing.
The EBU maintains that Israel satisfies all competition criteria and will participate in 2026. Contest officials have implemented fresh regulations designed to curb political interference and governmental control over submissions and ballot processes following recurring controversies tied to the Gaza situation.
Last week's coordinated departures by Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands sent shockwaves through Eurovision leadership. Spain's withdrawal carries significant weight as a top-five financial backer, while Ireland holds the record for most championship titles in the contest's history.
Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun defended his country's pullout, declaring "You can't whitewash Israel given the genocide in Gaza," and insisting cultural platforms must champion peace and justice.
Vienna will host the May 2026 competition after Austria claimed this year's crown.
The EBU expelled Russia in 2022 over the Ukraine invasion. Moscow subsequently created Intervision, a rival music competition that launched its inaugural event in September.
RUV, Iceland's state broadcaster, revealed the decision Wednesday, confirming it will withhold both its artist submission and broadcast coverage of next year's competition.
The network cited overwhelming domestic opposition to Israel's inclusion and accused the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) of dismissing legitimate concerns from participating broadcasters. RUV had pushed for a membership vote on Israel's qualification status—a proposal the EBU rejected.
"It is clear that neither joy nor peace will prevail regarding the participation of RUV in Eurovision," the broadcaster stated.
Multiple networks had previously demanded Israel's disqualification, pointing to the Gaza military campaign and suspected vote-rigging allegations during the 2025 edition that allegedly inflated Israel's final standing.
The EBU maintains that Israel satisfies all competition criteria and will participate in 2026. Contest officials have implemented fresh regulations designed to curb political interference and governmental control over submissions and ballot processes following recurring controversies tied to the Gaza situation.
Last week's coordinated departures by Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands sent shockwaves through Eurovision leadership. Spain's withdrawal carries significant weight as a top-five financial backer, while Ireland holds the record for most championship titles in the contest's history.
Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun defended his country's pullout, declaring "You can't whitewash Israel given the genocide in Gaza," and insisting cultural platforms must champion peace and justice.
Vienna will host the May 2026 competition after Austria claimed this year's crown.
The EBU expelled Russia in 2022 over the Ukraine invasion. Moscow subsequently created Intervision, a rival music competition that launched its inaugural event in September.
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