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After Spain and Ireland, another country withdraws from Eurovision because of Israel
2025-12-10 22:28:15 / SHOWBIZ
Iceland has joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in saying it will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. All five countries withdrew after Israel's participation in the contest was officially confirmed last week.
Stefan Eiriksson, director general of Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, said: "There is no peace or joy associated with this competition as things stand now. On this basis, first of all, we are withdrawing while the situation is as it is."
RÚV said Israel's participation had "created divisions between members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public".
The broadcaster's board approved the decision at a meeting on Wednesday, hours before the deadline for countries to confirm whether they will join what is supposed to be a celebratory 70th anniversary edition of the song contest next May.
Iceland was believed to be the last remaining country to announce its decision.
Eurovision Director Martin Green said: "We respect the decision of all broadcasters who have chosen not to participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest and look forward to welcoming them back soon."
Israel's presence at Eurovision has been a source of growing tension, due to the war in Gaza and concerns about the voting and campaign processes, including allegations that the Israeli government attempted to influence the public's vote at this year's event. (A2 Television)
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