In a statement, the BBC says it supports the decision of the EBU General Assembly, as a collective and democratic body, but does not clarify the stance it took during the vote. The most likely scenario is that it abstained, seeking to maintain neutrality until the end.
The BBC had long attempted to balance its position on both the Gaza conflict and Israel’s participation in the contest. On October 10, the Director-General of the British public broadcaster revealed that the BBC had not yet decided what its position would be in the General Assembly vote of the EBU.
When pressed by BBC employees, Tim Davie responded that it was a “very difficult decision” and that the BBC had still not reached a conclusion on how it would vote.
On the one hand, if the BBC voted in favour of Israel’s participation, it would be accused of endorsing Tel Aviv’s policy in Gaza. On the other hand, if it supported Israel’s exclusion, it risked upsetting the country’s large Israeli community and provoking opposition from conservative media and political forces.
Tim Davie added that this was a difficult situation for the EBU and that it was examining all data before reaching a decision on how to vote in the General Assembly.
In the BBC’s brief statement following the General Assembly, it expresses support for the decision to amend the regulations and subsequently approve Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026. However, it does not clarify its own voting position.
“We support the collective decision taken by the EBU members. This concerns enforcing the rules of the EBU and inclusion.”
Based on what is known about the BBC’s intervention during the debate on the matter, it is assumed that the most likely scenario is that the BBC chose to maintain neutrality. Practically, this would mean it abstained from voting.
After Israel, the United Kingdom took the floor, also emphasising the need to safeguard the contest’s apolitical character and protect it from government interference.
— Eurovisionfun (@eurovisionfn) December 4, 2025
We remind you that the results of the General Assembly vote—requested by a group of 11 countries, regarding the approval of new contest rules and the automatic acceptance of all members’ ability to participate—were as follows:
YES: 738
NO: 264
ABSTAINED: 120
✅ The new regulations have been approved by a large majority . EBU members will not hold another vote on the participation of members. Israel WILL compete in #Eurovision2026 #Eurovision #EurovisionGR #esc #esc2026 pic.twitter.com/5OwJpCBldi
— Eurovisionfun (@eurovisionfn) December 4, 2025
The BBC will participate normally in Eurovision 2026.
Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates!
Source: BBC