4 countries to boycott Eurovision due to Israel’s continued inclusion

[Everexpanding]

In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said it would also withdraw from next year’s contest. “After weighing all perspectives, Avrotros concludes that, under the current circumstances, participation cannot be reconciled with the public values that are fundamental to our organisation.”

The Slovenian national broadcaster, RTVSLO – the first to threaten a boycott this summer – said participation “would conflict with its values of peace, equality and respect”.

Spain’s culture minister, Ernest Urtasun, backed the decision, adding: “You can’t whitewash Israel given the genocide in Gaza. Culture should be on the side of peace and justice. I’m proud of an RTVE that puts human rights before any economic interest

RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk,” the broadcaster said in a statement.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/dec/04/ireland-spain-and-the-netherlands-to-boycott-eurovision-2026-as-israel-cleared-to-compete

Good for the BBC. They have much to make up for.

I’m just disgusted that more countries don’t share the same morals to boycott a country that has inflicted unimaginable suffering on the Palestinian people while illegal settlers have free rein to do what they like to force them off their land including killing and maiming innocent people. Now they have actually been officially condemned internationally for committing genocide yet so called “civilised” countries turn a blind eye.

The decision stands with the broadcasters not the country

Nothing to say about Hamas? Selective morals?

Not everyone sees the situation the same way you do.

Most broadcasters don't see the value in punishing Israeli singers and musicians, even if they disagree with the policies & actions of their government.

The BBC for example, felt that they were being "inclusive" by not excluding Israel performers from the competition.

Thought we were talking about broadcasters boycotting the competition?

Ive forgotten what that even means on the CME threads
It only ever stays on point if we are allowed
< must stay humble >

You sound like one of those people who thinks this all started on November 7. Israel has been trying to clear out or wipe out the Palestinians for 80 years. How long do you think aid flotillas have been bringing food and medical supplies to Gaza due to Israel controlling what and who goes in and out? Sounds like you are very ignorant of what’s been going on there or you’re excusing genocide

Apparently the conversation has moved on.

Only when it’s allowed.

What do you mean by that? It was @Zazazoolly who first moved the subject away from broadcasters boycotting Eurovision to talk about the Settlers etc... and they seem perfectly free to do so.

Think the main point of her post was why weren’t other countries boycotting such a country who had done such things.

Selective morals? She was clearly talking about the Eurovision and reasons for boycotting. Palestinians aren't even allowed self determination, there's no fear they will be selecting Hamas to represent them at the eurovision any time soon.

Anyway, well done Iceland, 12 points or however it goes.

Well the Palestinians don’t have a state to boycott, that’s kind of the point!

I think you're a bit behind. Israel’s actions have been talked about and condemned since the start of this thread.

I was responding to a person who was talking about 'inflicted unimaginable suffering on the Palestinian people while illegal settlers have free rein to do what they like to force them off their land including killing and maiming innocent people. Now they have actually been officially condemned internationally for committing genocide' so nothing about broadcasting but about solely blaming Istael for a conflict started by Hamas, and blaming only Istarl for the suffering of Palestinians, which is obvioisly nonsensical.

The answer to that is nuanced and as Sharon pointed out, ignores the role of Hamas in the war.

It's just possible some of the broadcasters don't hold Israel 100% responsible for the current war in Gaza.

Even those that do, it's also possible they could blame the Israeli government or the IDF but not the artists wishing to participate in Eurovision.

Not my point. You're free to make yours.

Who? Nice try.Not working.

Exactly. Excluding ordinary Israelis, who we know have also suffered terribly is not an obviously moral position,

Obviously zazazooly, who I was replying to.

You still haven't explained this comment.

Seems quite bizarre when practically every thread "moves on" to general Israel bashing regardless of the actual title of the thread.

It is "allowed" & very obviously so.

You do you.