Israel to compete at Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, prompting several nations to withdraw
Israel to compete at Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, prompting several nations to withdraw
www.abc.net.au
Eurovision heavyweights to boycott after Israel allowed to perform
In short:
The Eurovision Song Contest faces the prospect of mass withdrawals after organisers opt not to vote on Israel's future participation, allowing it to take part in next year's event.
Widespread opposition to the war in Gaza had led to mounting calls for Israel to be excluded from the annual contest.
What's next?
Public broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia say they will not participate in next year's event, and more are expected to follow.
Really disappointed with the SBS that Australia is not among those boycotting. We're repeating the Australian Rugby Union team's tours of South Africa in the '70s and '80s. Except worse, because Israel has been doing apartheid for decades...it's just that now they've escalated to genocide, worse than South Africa ever did.
Australia has historically had a strong affinity with Israel, with figures from across the political spectrum including Julia Gillard being staunch supporters. Perhaps it’s a subconscious sense of both countries being militarised outposts of Judaeochristian civilisation under siege.
Julia Gillard was neither left wing nor right wing, she was narcissist wing. I imagine all Labor leaders since her support Palestine's right to self determination, at least privately, but Australian voters hate even the faintest whiff of culture wars.