Eurovision won’t penalize withdrawals over Israel’s participation in 2026 contest

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that if Israel officially joins the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, countries that choose to withdraw from the contest at that time won’t face any penalties.

According to Ynet News, the EBU chose to extend the withdrawal deadline in order to enable countries to withdraw once a decision about Israel’s involvement is made.

“The move is considered exceptional, since in recent years the deadline for penalty-free withdrawals was set for October,” Ynet News reported. “This year, however, the EBU is extending the option until December, the month when member broadcasters are expected to vote on Israel’s participation.”

Eurovision Director Martin Green spoke about the decision to ESC Today, after being asked about Eurovision’s plans in light of “the current geopolitical global scenario.”

“As previously announced in July, we are currently undertaking a wide-ranging consultation with our Member broadcasters around participation in the Eurovision Song Contest,” he said.

“The Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, the event’s governing body, has agreed to offer broadcasters the option to confirm their participation at the latest by mid-December.”

Green did not directly mention Israel in his statement, and downplayed the significance of the extended deadline.

“This is simply a procedural matter and has no effect on the overall planning for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna next May,” he said.

The Ynet News report noted that “only a few countries have threatened to withdraw if Israel competes – most notably Slovenia and Iceland.” 

Israel began its participation in the annual Eurovision Song Contest in 1973, and has won the contest four times.

After Israeli musical artist Netta won the contest in 2018 with her song “Toy,” Israel hosted the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv – the third time the event has been hosted in Israel.