**Eurovision Organisers to Vote on Israel’s Participation Amid Gaza Conflict**
The Eurovision Song Contest organisers have announced that member broadcasters will vote in November on whether Israel can participate in next year’s competition. This decision comes amid growing calls for Israel to be excluded from the musical extravaganza due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the event and brings together public broadcasters across Europe, has scheduled an extraordinary general meeting to be held online in early November. According to EBU spokesman Dave Goodman, the vote will determine whether Kan, the Israeli public broadcaster and EBU member, will be allowed to participate in Eurovision 2024. An absolute majority in the vote is required for exclusion to pass.
**A Major Crisis for Eurovision**
Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of Eurovision, described the situation as “one of the biggest crises that Eurovision has ever faced.” He explained that the conflict has the potential to deepen divisions within the organisation, stating: “If we have two blocs, one which is threatening a boycott and another which is remaining steadfast in its support of Israel, then this is potentially the most serious crisis that the contest has faced.”
Several countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, have threatened to boycott the contest unless Israel is excluded. Eurovision, often dubbed the “Olympics of pop music,” is a competition where performers represent their countries, and where politics and regional rivalries frequently play out on and off the stage.
**Controversy Over Israel’s 2024 Entry**
Earlier this year, Eurovision organisers asked Israel to change the lyrics of its original entry titled *October Rain*, which was seen as a reference to Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7, 2023. That attack killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and triggered the current conflict. The song was subsequently renamed *Hurricane*, and Israeli singer Eden Alene was permitted to remain in the competition.
The division among member broadcasters is evident. Germany and Austria have publicly backed Israel’s participation, while others, including the BBC, have yet to make a formal decision.
Vuletic also noted that this level of division within the EBU is unprecedented compared to past controversies involving countries like Belarus and Russia.
**Statements from Broadcasters and Officials**
Kan, the Israeli broadcaster, expressed hope that Eurovision would continue to uphold its cultural and non-political identity. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Kan emphasized the importance of maintaining the contest’s spirit despite current tensions.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger has voiced concern about potential boycotts of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Vienna. She called on European colleagues to find ways to improve the situation in Israel and Gaza jointly and stressed that the contest should not be used as an instrument for sanctions.
**Looking Ahead to Eurovision 2026**
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in May in Vienna. Hosting rights are awarded to the previous year’s winner, and this year, Austria’s representative, Jendrik Sigwart (JJ), won the contest held in Basel, Switzerland, with the song *Wasted Love*.
As the EBU prepares for the upcoming vote, the future participation of Israel in Eurovision remains uncertain, highlighting the complex intersection of music, politics, and international relations within this iconic event.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/eurovision-to-decide-whether-israel-can-take-part-in-next-years-contest-1811323.html
