Eurovision at a Crossroads: EBU Debates Barring Israel Over Alleged Vote Interference and Gaza War

EBU Members Meet in Geneva to Decide Israel’s Eurovision Fate

Public broadcasters from across Europe have gathered in Geneva to debate whether Israel should be excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest amid allegations of vote interference in last year’s competition and concerns about Israel’s conduct during the Gaza war.

What’s Being Discussed

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which coordinates the contest and its member broadcasters, opened two days of talks as organisers prepare for the 70th edition of Eurovision in Vienna next May. A planned vote in November was postponed and moved to this week’s ordinary general assembly after a short-lived ceasefire announced on October 10 — a ceasefire that, according to reports, has since seen nearly 600 alleged violations.

Allegations and Proposed Rule Changes

Delegates are weighing claims that Israel orchestrated an unfair surge of public support for its 2025 entrant, Yuval Raphael, who had modest backing from professional juries but finished second overall. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has accused Israel of "proven interference" in last year’s contest and has also highlighted what it describes as a "serious violation of press freedom" during the Gaza conflict.

To reduce the risk of state or organised interference, the EBU has proposed reinstating a larger professional jury at the semi-final stage that would account for roughly 50% of the vote, with the remaining 50% coming from the public televote. If members cannot agree on revised rules this week, the EBU says it will hold a vote specifically on Israel’s participation in next year’s contest.

Positions From Member Broadcasters

Several countries — including Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands — have threatened to boycott the contest if Israel is allowed to compete. By contrast, Germany, a significant Eurovision backer, has warned it would withdraw if Israel were excluded; German Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer said, "Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest."

Israeli public broadcaster Kan said it is preparing for next year’s contest, will soon announce changes to its entry-selection process, and will present its position on any potential disqualification at the Geneva meeting.

Context and Stakes

The Eurovision Song Contest has been staged since 1956 and attracts an audience of roughly 160 million viewers worldwide, according to the EBU. The organisation has precedent for exclusions: Russia was suspended after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Belarus was barred following the disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Next Steps: Delegates must either agree on new voting safeguards this week or proceed to a decisive vote on Israel's participation in the 2025 contest.