The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have postponed a vote on whether Israel should be allowed to perform in next year's competition.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) stated that recent developments in the Middle East prompted the cancelation of the virtual meeting originally scheduled for November. Israel's participation will instead be discussed at an in-person meeting in December, although it remains unclear if a vote will occur at that time.
Opposition to Israel's participation has emerged from several countries due to the ongoing war in Gaza. On Monday, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, marking a critical moment during a newly enforced ceasefire.
In its statement, the EBU emphasized the need for an open and in-person discussion among members regarding Israel's involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, particularly after the recent events in the region.
Austrian broadcasters have expressed their support for the EBU's decision, emphasizing that the arts, including Eurovision, should not be arenas for sanctions. Meanwhile, countries such as Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands are considering boycotts should Israel participate.
The tension continues as questions of politics in the arts loom large, with some broadcasters affirming that the situation will continue to be assessed in light of ongoing developments in the Middle East. The BBC has requested comments from Israel's national broadcaster, which remains a long-standing participant in Eurovision.
