Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Iceland on Wednesday became the fifth nation not to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest next year because of Israel's participation in the event, joining Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands.
Last week, Israel's national broadcaster was cleared to compete in Vienna, Austria, in May. The European Broadcasting Union, the contest's organizing body, declined to expel Israel over its conduct in the war against Hamas in Gaza.
After the Icelandic National Broadcasting Corporation voted not to participate, RUV said in a news release: "It is clear from the public debate in this country and the reaction to the EBU's decision made last week that there will be neither joy nor peace regarding RÚV's participation in Eurovision. It is therefore RÚV's decision to inform the EBU today that RÚV will not participate in Eurovision next year."
The Icelandic broadcaster said the participation "caused discord, both among the member stations of the European Broadcasting Union, EBU, and among the public."
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