News|MusicEurovision to vote on Israeli participation in NovemberSeveral countries have demanded Israel be excluded due to its actions in Gaza, threatening to drop out of the competition.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that its members will vote on Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. This decision follows international calls for Israel's exclusion due to its actions in Gaza.

The EBU, responsible for organizing the event, has indicated that the vote will occur during an extraordinary general meeting in early November. Members will decide whether Kan, Israel's public broadcaster, will continue to participate. An "absolute majority" is required for the exclusion to be approved.

Countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain have called for Israel's exclusion, referencing the EBU's past decision to remove Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Protests have occurred in recent years during the competition due to Israel's involvement.

Spain, along with Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, has threatened to boycott the competition if Israel participates. Conversely, Germany and Austria support Israel's inclusion. Additional countries, including Belgium, Sweden, and Finland, are considering their positions and have until December to decide.

The EBU has previously removed countries such as Russia, Yugoslavia, and Belarus from the competition following specific international actions or sanctions. Kan has expressed a desire for the contest to maintain its cultural and non-political nature.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.