Netherlands, Ireland Plan Eurovision Boycott Over Israel Participation

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has joined Irish broadcaster RTÉ in announcing they will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, citing the ongoing severe human suffering in Gaza and concerns over press freedom. AVROTROS emphasized that Israel's involvement contradicts the contest's founding values of peace, equality, and respect, highlighting the deliberate exclusion of independent international reporting and casualties among journalists in Gaza. RTÉ described Israel's participation as "unconscionable" given the appalling loss of lives and media restrictions in Gaza. Both broadcasters have been in consultation with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is still gathering views from member broadcasters on how to handle participation amid geopolitical tensions. Eurovision organizers acknowledged these concerns and noted that broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm participation. The boycott calls come amid wider protests over Israel's inclusion following the 2023 conflict and reflect broader unease about the contest being used as a political instrument during ongoing conflicts.