Eurovision 2025 winner JJ has called for organisers to exclude Israel from the 2026 contest, citing its ongoing attacks on Gaza, as Middle East Eye reported via Reuters on May 22nd.
JJ expressed disappointment over Israel’s participation and hoped the upcoming Vienna competition would proceed without the country being involved. He also criticised the event’s voting process, urging for more transparency and fairness.
In an interview with El País published on May 22nd, JJ’s remarks reflected broader concerns. They aligned with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s stance on barring Israel from global cultural events.
In a similar move, Eurovision 2024 winner Nemo called for Israel’s exclusion from the 2025 contest, The New Arab reported on May 10th. Nemo criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and said its presence contradicts Eurovision’s values. Broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia, along with 70 ex-contestants, have conveyed concerns about Israel’s participation in the contest.
Tensions around Israel’s participation escalated further during Eurovision 2025. On May 15th, the BBC reported, and Levantis cited, that protestors disrupted Israel’s dress rehearsal by waving Palestinian flags and blowing whistles. Despite the interruption, Israel’s 24-year-old act, Yuval Raphael, qualified for the final. She said rehearsing with the noise of a crowd helped her stay focused during disruptions.
Additionally, Arab News via AFP reported on May 19th that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticised Eurovision for allowing Israel to participate despite the Gaza war. He compared it to Russia’s ban after invading Ukraine and urged consistency. Sanchez stressed that Europe must uphold international law and human rights without double standards in cultural events.
Arab News via AFP, BBC, El País, Middle East Eye via Reuters, The New Arab
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