Iceland Threatens to Withdraw from Eurovision 2026 Over Israel’s Participation
The director general of Iceland’s public broadcaster Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV) has warned that the country may withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) allows Israel to compete in Vienna.
Speaking on Rás 2 this morning, Stefán Eiríksson said that RÚV, along with Spain, Slovenia and other broadcasters, has voiced concerns over Israel’s continued participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
“If there is no change in the EBU’s position and it does not respond to these voices of concern coming from us, Spain, Slovenia and others, then that will call for reactions from these broadcasters,” Stefán explained. “But let’s just wait and see.”
Söngvakeppnin Plans Continue — For Now
As it stands, Iceland is still scheduled to participate, and Söngvakeppnin 2026, the national selection show, will go ahead — but only conditionally.
RÚV has opened submissions today, with ten songs set to compete for the Eurovision ticket. However, Stefán made it clear that Iceland’s participation depends on the EBU’s final decision, which is expected in November or December after consultations with member broadcasters.
Slovenia Takes a Harder Stance
Iceland isn’t alone. Over the weekend, RTVSLO, Slovenia’s national broadcaster, announced it will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete.Ksenija Horvat, head of RTVSLO, confirmed that plans to hold a televised national selection later this year have already been cancelled, citing “a lack of dialogue and transparency” from the EBU.
Israel’s Controversial Role
The EBU has faced growing pressure to review Israel’s participation. At the General Assembly in July, several broadcasters raised concerns about Israel’s compliance with Eurovision rules.
Stefán stressed that RÚV has serious doubts about both the Israeli broadcaster and the Israeli government:
“We have expressed these concerns within the EBU, that the rules of the competition are being broken.”
However, unlike Slovenia, Iceland has not formally demanded Israel’s exclusion.
What Happens Next
The EBU is expected to deliver its final decision on Israel’s participation by the end of 2025. Until then, RÚV will continue preparing Söngvakeppnin, though Stefán admitted there is “a sense that the landscape is changing quite a bit” regarding Israel’s place in Eurovision.
Source: Rúv
