Germany, Austria Reject Eurovision Boycott Threats Over Israel's Participation

Several European countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, have threatened to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to participate, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Germany's culture minister Wolfram Weimer criticized these threats as an attempt to politicize a cultural event founded to unite nations through music, emphasizing that excluding Israel contradicts Eurovision's principles of diversity and cohesion. Austria, the host of the upcoming contest, also expressed regret over potential boycotts, with its foreign minister warning that such actions would deepen divisions and not help resolve the humanitarian crisis. The European Broadcasting Union will make a final decision on Israel's participation in December. The contest has a history of political tensions, with protests occurring against Israel's participation in recent years amid the ongoing war following Hamas's attack on Israel. Eurovision continues to draw massive audiences, highlighting its importance as a cultural event beyond political disputes.