Three participating broadcasters in this years Eurovision Song Contest are now opposing Israel’s participation in this year’s event.  

Iceland’s RÚV has joined Slovenia’s RTV SLU and Spain’s RTVE in calling on the competitions organisers the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to review Israel taking part at this year’s edition in Switzerland  

The broadcaster passed on comments made by the Icelandic foreign minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, where she said, “I find it strange and actually unnatural that Israel is allowed to participate in Eurovision, given the war crimes, and in fact the ethnic cleansing that has taken place in recent weeks and months in Gaza”.  

She does not believe that withdrawing from the competition would be of benefit, adding that they should “lobby within the European Broadcasting Union regarding Israeli participation”.  

Israeli participation is under increased scrutiny following not only the collapse of the ceasefire in Gaza but also to do with the controversies from last year in Malmö, Sweden 

The 2024 entry from singer Eden Golan had to be changed twice due to references to the October 7th attacks as political lyrics and songs are against EBU rules. Every performance of the song was met with heavy booing from the live audience.  

 The countries delegation was accused of harassment and inappropriate behaviour throughout the competition by several countries. The Irish and Dutch contingents both reported incidents where they were being recorded without permission which is illegal in Sweden.  

And thousands marched in Malmö in opposition to Israeli participation with many fans on social media calling for Eurovision executive supervisor Martin Österdahl to resign after the chaotic event.  

Currently Israel is still taking part in the second semi final in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest which will take place between May 13th and 17th at St Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland. 

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