In a statement, RUV said participation of Israeli national broadcaster KAN had “created disunity” among members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision<\/strong><\/a>, and the general public.<\/p>\n Israel<\/strong><\/a>‘s place in the contest was confirmed at the EBU’s general assembly last week.<\/p>\n The past two events have attracted protests and fan boycotts over Israel’s inclusion amid the country’s military action in Gaza. This year, there were also allegations that voting had been manipulated in favour of their contestant.<\/p>\n After growing criticism, members were asked to vote in a secret ballot last week, on whether they were happy with tougher new rules<\/strong><\/a> introduced in November, or whether they wanted a second vote on participation for 2026.<\/p>\n Image: The majority agreed the changes were enough, although Sky News understands 11 countries were against accepting these without a further vote.<\/p>\n Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, Spain’s RTVE, Ireland’s RTE and Slovenia’s RTV immediately issued statements announcing their withdrawal.<\/p>\n Becoming the fifth broadcaster to pull out, RUV said that while the new rules address many of the concerns it has raised, it believes there are “still doubts” about whether the changes are enough.<\/p>\n Image: “RUV has repeadly raised concerns that various Icelandic stakeholders, such as artist associations and the general public, were opposed to participation in the contest,” the statement said. “Furthermore, RUV had requested the EBU to exclude KAN from the contest in accordance to precedents.<\/p>\n “It is a complex matter which has already damaged the contest’s reputation and EBU, emphasising the necessity of a solution for all concerned parties.”<\/p>\n Austria, which will host next year’s show, last week said it was pleased to see Israel allowed to participate. Roland Weissmann, director-general for Austrian broadcaster ORF, said the contest was a “competition for broadcasters, not governments”.<\/p>\n Image: The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, also said it supported the decision.<\/p>\n Earlier on Wednesday, Poland’s TVP confirmed its participation.<\/p>\n In a statement, the broadcaster said it was aware of the scale of the tension surrounding the competition and understood the emotions and concerns raised.<\/p>\n “However, we believe that Eurovision still has a chance to once again become a space filled with music. And only music,” a TVP statetment said.<\/p>\n![\"Yuval](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765388360_530_skynews-israel-eurovision-song-contest_7100933.jpg\")
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\n Yuval Raphael represented Israel at this year’s competition in Switzerland. Pic: Reuters\/ Denis Balibouse<\/p>\n![\"Spain,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765388361_787_skynews-melody-spain-eurovision_7021978.jpg\")
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\n Spain, represented by Melody earlier this year, is among the countries boycotting the event. Pic: REUTERS\/Denis Balibouse<\/p>\n![\"Remember](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/skynews-remember-monday-eurovision_7024317.jpg\")
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\n Remember Monday represented the UK in 2025. The BBC has said it supports the EBU vote decision. Pic: MANDOGA MEDIA\/picture-alliance\/dpa\/AP<\/p>\n