Vote on Israel's participation in Eurovision postponed in wake of ceasefire

The EBU was due to hold an extraordinary general meeting of its members in November to enable a vote on Israel’s participation amid deepening divisions among its members.

A vote on Israel’s participation in next year’s Eurovision song contest has been postponed in the wake of the ceasefire in Gaza, the European Broadcasting Union has confirmed.

The EBU was due to hold an extraordinary general meeting of its members in November to enable a vote on Israel’s participation amid deepening divisions among its members.

Ireland was one of several nations, including Spain and Slovenia, who said they would boycott the event if Israel took part in 2026.

Confirming the EGM has been cancelled, the EBU said in a statement: “In the light of recent developments in the Middle East, the EBU’s Executive Board (meeting on 13 October) agreed there was a clear need to organize an open and in-person discussion among its Members on the issue of participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. 

"Consequently, the Board agreed to put the issue on the agenda of its ordinary Winter General Assembly, which will be taking place in December, rather than organizing an extraordinary session in advance.”