Eurovision 2026: How Israel Became Eurovision’s Biggest Controversy

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentEurovision 2026: How Israel Became Eurovision’s Biggest ControversyByHannah Abraham,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hannah Abraham covers entertainment, culture and business.Follow AuthorMay 11, 2026, 12:26pm EDTMay 11, 2026, 12:26pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.A protestor (L) holds a Palestinian flag as she takes part in a demonstration against Israel's team (R) during the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 opening ceremony in Basel on May 11, 2025. (Photo by Stefan Wermuth / AFP) (Photo by STEFAN WERMUTH/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesOn the eve of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, the world’s biggest music competition is facing what several media outlets have described as the worst crisis in its history. Five countries have withdrawn from the 2026 contest in Vienna. Past winners have returned their trophies. A New York Times investigation published yesterday found evidence of a state-level influence operation running through the competition for years. Here’s how we got here.How Israel's Participation Became Eurovision's Central ControversyProtestors hold a banner and Palestinian flags as they take part in a demonstration against Israel's candidate during the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 opening ceremony in Basel on May 11, 2025. (Photo by Stefan Wermuth / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesThe boycott has its roots in two consecutive years of controversy, both over the ongoing terror in Gaza as well as the issue of Israel's televoting results. Israel has been a member of the European Broadcasting Union since 1973 and has competed at Eurovision since 1973, winning four times. Its participation has never before generated anything approaching the current level of institutional conflict. MORE FOR YOUThe shift dates to October 7, 2023, and the war in Gaza...