Spain to quit 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates

Spain became the latest country to threaten to boycott Israel’s continued participation of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Momentum is building to exclude Israel from the world’s largest music competition as outrage grows around the world about its assault on the Gaza Strip.

Spain, on Tuesday, became the latest country to threaten to boycott Israel’s continued participation of the Eurovision Song Contest, the glitzy singing competition that is watched by some 160 million people around the world every May.

In a statement, Spanish broadcaster RTVE said its board had voted to withdraw from the 2026 competition if Israel participates.

It came after Irish broadcaster RTÉ and Dutch broadcaster Avrotros also issued statements earlier this month, saying they would not take part if Israel was allowed to compete.

Spanish politicians have been among the most vocal critics of Israel in recent months and have made no secret of their preference for Israel not to take part in Eurovision.