We are now in the final stretch before the EBU General Assembly on December 4 and 5 in Geneva, where it will be decided whether Israel will ultimately participate in Eurovision 2026 or not. While most countries are keeping their cards close to their chest and generally maintaining a low profile, Switzerland, just days before the crucial meeting, publicly announces its objective: to keep Israel in Eurovision.
SRG supports Israel’s participation in the contest
Speaking to Swiss media, SRG spokesperson Markus Berger explained that the EBU must remain politically neutral and connect people on both sides “beyond any politics.” SRG will attend the upcoming EBU General Assembly in Geneva with the goal of ensuring Israel remains in the contest.
Switzerland’s position—especially as the previous host country—carries significant weight. Along with Austria, the host of Eurovision 2026, BIG5 member Germany, and a number of other countries including Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Albania, Ukraine, and France, it does not wish for a vote to take place regarding Israel’s participation. They believe that given the current circumstances, the EBU should avoid reigniting tensions and divisive choices. In fact, according to our information, countries that had been subtly critical of Israel in recent months now feel, after the announcement of the EBU’s rule changes, that the contest should move forward and step out of its introversion, giving space and opportunity for the new regulatory framework to be implemented and bring new momentum.
On the other side
There is, of course, a group of countries that had threatened to withdraw from the contest if Israel ultimately participates. Slovenia, Spain, and Ireland have made it clear, one way or another, that they remain firm in their stance and that if Israel’s participation is confirmed at the upcoming EBU Assembly, they will not attend Eurovision in Vienna.
What procedure will be followed regarding Israel at the General Assembly?
According to recent reports, no vote will take place on Israel’s participation unless members believe that the new measures fail to sufficiently ensure the contest’s neutrality and impartiality.
Moreover, according to Charlo Halvorsen, spokesperson for Norwegian public broadcaster NRK—one of the broadcasters that raised several objections regarding Israel and the results of the Eurovision 2025 televote—there does not appear to be a majority calling for such a vote on this issue.
“Based on the positions of certain countries, I believe that the majority does not wish for a vote.”
We now await with interest what the other public broadcasters will do, those that had threatened withdrawal in previous months if Israel participates:
Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all developments!
Source: tachles