Eurovision cancels vote over Israel's competing in song contest

Israel's appearance in next year's Eurovision remains in doubt after a decision by the organisers to push back until December a vote on its participation because of the ceasefire in Gaza.

The European Broadcasting Union announced on Monday night that it was cancelling a meeting planned for November which it called to end calls from several countries threatening to boycott the event if Israel's entry was upheld.

Austria, which is due to host the 2026 contest after its win last year, has praised the delaying of the poll. Its official broadcaster ORF said the move "helped maintain the unity and credibility of the contest."

No specific date has been scheduled for a final decision but it's reported that discussions are set to resume once it becomes clearer if the ceasefire will hold.

Eurovision is regularly overshadowed by internal wrangling over current and political affairs but this split is arguably the worst crisis the competition has faced.

Since the Oct. 7 attacks of 2023, Israel has competed in two Eurovision contests, both held against a backdrop of protest. In 2024, thousands gathered in Sweden in protest at Israel’s participation while in Basel earlier this year, protestors attempted to rush onto the stage to disrupt Israeli singer Yuval Raphael’s performance.

According to Ynet, the EBU has “unofficially” told Israeli representatives that they need to temporarily withdraw from the competition. Alternatively, if Israel wishes to remain in the contest, they need to perform under a neutral flag - similar to the approach taken by Russian athletes at recent Olympic Games.

The 70th anniversary edition of Eurovision is due to take place in Vienna, Austria.The finale will take place on 16 May after the semi-finals on 12 and 14 May 2026.