Noam Bettan, representing Israel, attends the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest's Turquoise Carpet event in Vienna, Austria, May 10, 2026. LISA LEUTNER / REUTERS
The public broadcasters for Spain, Ireland and Slovenia said on Monday, May 11, they will not show the 70th anniversary Eurovision Song Contest this week, as they boycott the TV extravaganza over Israel's participation. The three countries, along with the Netherlands and Iceland, pulled out of this year's event in Vienna, which kicks off on Tuesday and culminates in Saturday's grand final.
Controversy has mounted over the conduct of Israel's war in the Gaza Strip and the three are among five countries boycotting the event. Suspicions have been raised that the televoting system was being manipulated to boost Israel at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Some broadcasters also raised concerns about media freedom, with Israel preventing their journalists from accessing Gaza.
"Instead of the Eurovision circus, the national television program will be colored by the thematic program series Voices of Palestine," Slovenian broadcaster RTV said.
Read more Subscribers only Eurovision: A political and poetic echo chamber
