Israel’s Future at Eurovision 2026 Hangs in the Balance as Vienna Prepares for a “Spectacular but Modest” Show

The Hamas attacks on Israel and the devastating military response in Gaza, which has left thousands of civilians dead, are now casting a long shadow over Europe’s most flamboyant music spectacle — the Eurovision Song Contest.

And this time, the drama has landed squarely in Austria, the nation hosting next year’s 70th anniversary edition in Vienna, following JJ’s victory in Basel earlier this year.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has described the situation as “unprecedented” in a letter sent to its 68 member broadcasters, amid mounting pressure to decide whether Israel should be allowed to participate.

From Celebration to Controversy

For the ORF — Austria’s national broadcaster — and its general director Roland Weißmann, the moment is anything but easy. During a crisis board meeting last week, the EBU reportedly agreed to a secret ballot to determine Israel’s participation.

While Weißmann has defended Israel’s right to remain in the contest, Austria’s Eurovision winner JJ ,who famously shouted “Song Contest dahoam!” (“Song Contest at home!”), after his Basel triumph has been among the loudest voices calling for Israel’s exclusion, drawing parallels to Russia’s ban after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The EBU’s confidential vote, which is triggered once five or more countries call for a suspension, could decide the fate of Israel’s entry as early as November.

Boycott Pressure Builds

Behind the scenes, boycott threats from several countries are intensifying.
Public broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland, as well as the BBC, have all signalled they may withdraw from the contest if Israel takes part.

Sponsors are also quietly warning that their participation could depend on the EBU’s final ruling. Insiders say that a secret vote could favour Israel’s critics, who might hesitate to speak publicly against a member state.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the Vienna Song Contest 2026 will go ahead — “spectacular, but modest,” as Weißmann has reportedly described his vision for the show.

A Contest Under Fire

In Basel last May, Yuval Raphael achieved Israel’s best result in years, finishing second with his emotional ballad “New Day Will Rise.” But his performance also sparked protests outside the arena and renewed calls for the EBU to act.

Now, with the 70th edition approaching, Europe’s most dazzling stage show finds itself once again entangled in geopolitics — proof that in Eurovision, even glitter can’t hide the gravity of the moment.

Source: Kronen Zeitung