Eurovision 2026: Iceland joins boycott over Israel's participation

Entertainment Dec 10, 2025

Iceland just became the fifth country to drop out of Eurovision 2026, joining Spain, The Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia in protest against Israel taking part.
Iceland's broadcaster RUV said there will be "neither joy nor peace regarding RUV's participation," reflecting how heated the debate has become.

Why does it matter?

This wave of boycotts is a big deal for Eurovision, which usually brings together about 160 million viewers.
RUV had asked organizers to exclude Israel, but EBU stuck by their decision.
With five countries now stepping back, the contest is facing real questions about politics and inclusivity on its global stage.