Iceland has officially announced that it will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, joining four other countries in protest over Israel’s inclusion in the competition. The decision comes after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) declined to hold a vote on Israel’s participation, despite calls from several nations to reconsider its involvement.

Iceland and Other Nations Boycott Eurovision

The Icelandic public broadcaster RUV confirmed the country’s withdrawal on Wednesday. Director General Stefan Eiriksson said in a statement:

“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.”

Iceland’s boycott joins Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, which had all previously threatened to withdraw if Israel participated. The countries cited concerns over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and allegations of interference in the previous Eurovision competition that allegedly favored Israel’s entrant.

Background: Controversy Over Israel’s Participation

The issue was initially expected to be resolved through a vote in November 2025. However, the EBU announced there would be no vote on Israel’s inclusion and introduced new rules intended to safeguard the contest’s neutrality and prevent governmental influence on the outcome.

Following this announcement, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain swiftly confirmed their boycott. Irish broadcaster RTE cited “the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and humanitarian crisis,” while Slovenia’s national broadcaster referenced the deaths of 20,000 children amid Israel’s military operations in the territory.

Broader Reactions and Implications

By contrast, Germany, a strong supporter of Israel in Europe, had stated it would boycott Eurovision if Israel were excluded, highlighting the growing politicization of the event.

The Eurovision Song Contest, which began in 1956, attracts approximately 160 million viewers worldwide, making it one of the most-watched music competitions on the planet. The 2026 edition is scheduled to be held in Vienna, Austria, in May.

The boycott underscores the increasing intersection of international politics and global entertainment, with national broadcasters and governments using the platform to protest humanitarian and geopolitical issues.