Spain, Ireland and Slovenia to Boycott Eurovision Broadcast Over Israel’s Participation

The public broadcasters of Spain, Ireland and Slovenia announced on Monday that they will not air this week’s 70th anniversary Eurovision Song Contest, joining a growing boycott over Israel’s participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The contest begins Tuesday in Vienna and concludes with Saturday’s grand final.

The three countries along with the Netherlands and Iceland, which have also withdrawn from competing say concerns have intensified over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and allegations that the televoting system may have been manipulated to boost Israel’s standing at Eurovision 2025 in Basel. Several broadcasters have also raised alarms about media freedom, noting that Israeli authorities have blocked their journalists from entering Gaza.

Slovenian broadcaster RTV said it will replace Eurovision coverage with a special programming series titled “Voices of Palestine.” Ireland’s RTE will air alternative entertainment as well, including “The End of the World with Beanz” during Thursday’s semifinal and a Eurovision‑themed episode of the classic sitcom “Father Ted” during Saturday’s final. Spain’s RTVE will broadcast its own musical special, “The House of Music.”

Despite withdrawing from the competition, public broadcasters in the Netherlands and Iceland will still screen the event.

This year’s contest features only 35 participating countries, the smallest lineup since Eurovision expanded in 2004, following the five withdrawals. Vienna is hosting the milestone edition of what remains the world’s largest live televised music event.

Human rights groups have sharply criticised the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for allowing Israel to compete. Amnesty International called the decision “an act of cowardice” and accused the EBU of applying “blatant double standards,” noting that Russia was suspended after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Amnesty’s secretary general Agnes Callamard said Israel’s participation provides a platform to “deflect attention from and normalize its ongoing genocide in the occupied Gaza Strip.”

A UN‑backed investigation in September concluded that “genocide is occurring in Gaza,” a determination Israel strongly rejects.