The pullouts, which were joined by Ireland and Slovenia, came after a general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union — a group of public broadcasters from 56 countries that runs the event — met to discuss concerns about Israel’s participation, blaming Israel for the war that started after Hamas terrorists massacred more than 1200 Israeli men, women and children in October 2023.
A report on the website of Icelandic broadcaster RUV, meanwhile, said it would hold a meeting next Wednesday to discuss whether Iceland would take part, after its board last week recommended Israel be barred from the contest in Vienna next May.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on X that he was “pleased” Israel will again take part, “and I hope that the competition will remain one that champions culture, music, friendship between nations, and cross-border cultural understanding.”
“Thank you to all our friends who stood up for Israel’s right to continue to contribute and compete at Eurovision,” he added.
Austria, which is set to host the competition after Viennese singer J.J. won this year with “Wasted Love,” supports Israel’s participation. Germany, too, was said to back Israel.
