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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) appeared to be under mounting pressure after reports circulated this morning that Israel had been issued an ultimatum regarding its participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. According to multiple outlets, including The Times of Israel, broadcaster Kan was presented with three options: withdraw voluntarily, compete under a neutral flag, or face exclusion from the contest in Vienna.
The supposed ultimatum came amid growing controversy surrounding Israel’s inclusion in international cultural events, with the ongoing war in Gaza intensifying calls for action. Eurovision, which brands itself as a non-political music competition, found itself at the centre of a highly charged geopolitical debate.
Broadcasters Threaten Boycott
Several national broadcasters have already staked out strong positions. Ireland’s RTÉ, Spain’s RTVE, and the Netherlands’ AVROTROS have all said they will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete under its national flag.
Officials from other countries have privately signalled they may follow suit, raising the spectre of a fractured contest if the EBU does not intervene.
Neutral Flag Option on the Table
Reports suggested the EBU was exploring a compromise similar to arrangements in international sport, where delegations have occasionally competed under a neutral identity when political or legal issues prevented full national representation. However, no precedent exists for such a move in Eurovision.
UPDATE: A story published mid-morning by online entertainment site, Hollywood Reporter claimed the EBU had contacted them to deny this proposal, insisting an (unnamed) spokesperson stared: “The EBU has not made any proposals to [Israeli broadcaster] Kan regarding participation in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.”
At this time, without official confirmation, the reports feel to have an air of floating ideas to see if anyone bites. The likelihood of Israeli broadcaster Kan accepting or being allowed to accept something like this is likely close to zero. One other rumour doing the rounds is that Israel withdraw temporarily to avoid the humiliation of being removed from the lineup by the organisers.
EBU Yet to Confirm
Aside from the quote attributed to an unnamed spokesperson, the Geneva-based EBU has issued no official statement, sticking instead to safe boilerplate denials, citing a commitment to inclusivity and political neutrality.
A formal decision is expected later this year, with the matter likely to dominate discussions at the EBU General Assembly in December.
What’s at Stake
Israel has been a regular Eurovision contender since 1973, winning the contest four times. But its continued participation in 2026 — hosted in Vienna after Austria’s victory — now hangs in the balance. If the ultimatum stands and Israel refuses to comply, the EBU could be forced into an unprecedented ban, with ripple effects across the competition.
For now, fans and artists are left in uncertainty. An ongoing refusal by the EBU to issue any public-facing statement could mean that what was meant to be a celebratory year for Austria, may instead be defined by one of the most divisive chapters in Eurovision history.
We contacted the EBU for comment – we’re still waiting.
FACT CHECK: For now, this isn’t confirmed by either the EBU or any broadcaster who is a member of the EBU. We’re reporting something that has appeared on larger websites, outside the usual fan-site media.
