The Dutch public broadcaster, Avrotros, has confirmed the Netherlands will also boycott next year's Eurovision song contest if Israel is involved. It follows Irish broadcaster RTÉ, which has said it will not take part if Israel does given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.
Eurovision will take place next in May 2026 in Vienna after Austrian singer JJ won this year following a nail-biting finish that saw him topple Israel from pole position at the last minute.
In a statement which echoed RTÉ's, Avrotros said it too could no longer justify Israel's inclusion given the ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza and the serious erosion of press freedom. The Dutch broadcaster cited the Israeli ban on international media from entering war-torn Gaza, pointing out the many casualties among journalists.
On Friday, Irish musician and songwriter Phil Coulter called on the UK to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. The BBC - the UK's Eurovision broadcaster - has so far declined to comment. Coulter stated he was 100% behind RTÉ in their decision to withdraw from the contest, expressing the disgust felt by people in both the UK and Ireland about the situation in Gaza.
Earlier this year, more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter urging the organizers to ban Israel from the 2025 competition.
Eurovision will take place next in May 2026 in Vienna after Austrian singer JJ won this year following a nail-biting finish that saw him topple Israel from pole position at the last minute.
In a statement which echoed RTÉ's, Avrotros said it too could no longer justify Israel's inclusion given the ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza and the serious erosion of press freedom. The Dutch broadcaster cited the Israeli ban on international media from entering war-torn Gaza, pointing out the many casualties among journalists.
On Friday, Irish musician and songwriter Phil Coulter called on the UK to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. The BBC - the UK's Eurovision broadcaster - has so far declined to comment. Coulter stated he was 100% behind RTÉ in their decision to withdraw from the contest, expressing the disgust felt by people in both the UK and Ireland about the situation in Gaza.
Earlier this year, more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter urging the organizers to ban Israel from the 2025 competition.
