They, and other members of the European Broadcasting Union, had called for Israel to be excluded over the humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza.

Despite being outside Europe, Israel is eligible to compete because its broadcaster KAN is a member of the EBU. Israel has taken part since 1973 and has won four times, World News, Times Now

Spain’s Eurovision 2026 boycott is one of the biggest due to its status as one of the “Big Five” countries that financially contribute the most to the contest. While Spain has only won the competition twice, it is one of Eurovision’s largest TV markets, drawing in several million viewers alone.

The European Broadcasting Union said a “large majority” of its members agreed not to vote on Israel’s participation.

Austria, the host of next year's contest, supported Israel's continued participation, while Germany had threatened to withdraw if Israel was excluded.