“This year, artists from 35 countries, including Israel, are heading to Austria to compete in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.”

“On December 4, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Iceland and Ireland said they would boycott the contest if Israel took part.”

“On December 10, Iceland’s broadcaster RUV said that the Nordic nation would also not participate in the 2026 competition.”

“In April, more than 1,000 musicians and people working in the cultural sector signed a letter calling on nations to boycott the contest”

“the Eurovision Song Contest suspended Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine, but fined Iceland because the Icelandic contestant displayed a Palestinian flag at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv in 2019.”

“The winner of 2024’s contest, Switzerland’s Nemo, pledged to return the trophy in protest over Israel’s continued participation in the event.”

“Irish artist Charlie McGettigan, who won the 1994 Eurovision contest, said he also plans to return his winning trophy.”

“pro-Palestinian activists have protested over Israel’s participation in the host cities Malmo, Sweden, in 2024 and in Basel, Switzerland in May 2025.”

“last December, Germany, a major Eurovision backer, said it would not take part if Israel was barred.”

“On April 15 this year, a pro-Israel, non-profit initiative called “Creative Community for Peace” published an open letter supporting Israel’s participation. The letter was signed by more than 1,000 members of the global entertainment industry”

“Yuval Raphael, who represented Israel at the competition last year, jumped to second place in the contest’s public vote despite lower jury scores.”

“Last November, EBU sent a letter to its members indicating that an extra vote would take place at an extraordinary general meeting held online in early November to decide on Israel’s participation.”

“On December 4, after its annual meeting, EBU gave Israel the green light to participate”