Eurovision Fallout: Israel Taunts Ireland As Four Broadcasters Boycott After EBU Vote

Broadcasters Pull Out After Geneva Vote

Four European broadcasters — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia — have announced they will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after a secret-ballot vote by European Broadcasting Union (EBU) members in Geneva confirmed Israel may compete. The boycott followed demands that Israel be excluded over its war in Gaza and amid allegations of interference in the public televote.

EBU Response: Tightening Rules Rather Than Excluding Israel

Rather than expelling Israel, roughly 50 EBU members voted against holding a separate ban and instead backed tougher rules aimed at preventing government meddling and enforcing political neutrality. The decision was taken at a meeting attended by the outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie. Hosts Austria and Germany had warned they would withdraw from hosting if Israel were expelled, a scenario that could have forced the EBU to find a new host city before May.

Controversial Remarks From An Israeli Official

The dispute escalated when Alon Amir, a former head of press for the Israeli delegation, publicly derided Ireland’s recent Eurovision output while speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland. Amir said:

'You haven’t sent a decent song in 25 years. Come on, take a year off. Think about it and return stronger, and hopefully be in the top five for a change. We miss the good Irish song.'

Amir, who has read out the Israeli jury’s scores in past finals and was present when Israel won in Birmingham in 1998 with Dana International's Diva, also said Israel was "happy" to be going to Vienna and suggested "nobody really cares" about the four nations withdrawing. His comments drew attention in Ireland because RTÉ had already announced it would not attend or televise next year’s contest as part of the boycott.

Diplomatic Context

The cultural dispute sits against a broader diplomatic rift. Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood in 2024 alongside Norway and Spain; Israel subsequently closed its embassy in Dublin and accused the Irish government of anti-Semitism. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar called the boycott "shameful," saying: "The disgrace is upon them."

Recent Eurovision Results And Rules Issues

Ireland is the joint record-holder for Eurovision wins with seven victories, although its last triumph was in 1996 when Eimear Quinn won with The Voice. Ireland failed to qualify for this year’s final with Laika Party, inspired by the first dog in space; Israel finished second overall. In 2024, Bambie Thug placed sixth with "Doomsday Blue" after the EBU required the performer to remove pro-Palestinian messages from their body before the semi-final.

What Happens Next

More broadcasters may yet join the boycott: Iceland was expected to decide soon and Finland is still considering its position. Belgium’s public broadcaster RTBF has confirmed it will participate despite political calls to boycott. Competing broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm whether they will take part in next year’s contest in Vienna.

Reactions From UK Figures

The BBC declined to reveal how it voted but supported the collective EBU decision and emphasised inclusivity. The UK prime minister’s office framed Eurovision as a "non-political celebration of music and culture," while Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch urged that the contest remain focused on music and not politics, accusing some countries of "a problem with anti-Semitism."

Note: This article aims to present the key developments and quotes neutrally while preserving verified facts about EBU decisions, broadcaster positions and public statements by officials.