Iceland joins widening Eurovision boycott over Israel’s participation

Iceland has officially pulled out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the fifth country to boycott the event after organisers confirmed Israel would compete next year.

Public broadcaster RUV said on Wednesday that the country would not take part, following a week of mounting pressure at home and frustration with the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to block a vote on Israel’s status.

“It is clear from the public debate in this country and the reaction to the EBU’s decision last week that there will be neither joy nor peace regarding RUV’s participation,” director general Stefan Eiriksson said.

Iceland, along with Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands, had warned it would withdraw if Israel was included, citing the ongoing war in Gaza and allegations that Israeli officials improperly influenced last year’s contest. A vote had been expected in November, until the EBU abruptly cancelled it, promising new neutrality rules instead.

That move triggered a cascade of boycotts. Ireland’s RTE pointed to “the appalling loss of lives in Gaza”, while Slovenia’s RTV said its decision came “on behalf of the 20,000 children who died”. Spain and the Netherlands followed within hours.

Germany, meanwhile, had threatened to boycott if Israel were excluded, underscoring how politically charged the contest has become.

Eurovision, launched in 1956, typically draws around 160 million viewers worldwide. Next year’s edition is scheduled for May in Vienna, though the growing list of absences is already reshaping the lineup.