German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Monday that Germany could withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is excluded from participation Speaking to ARD broadcaster, he stated “I would support this” and called discussions about banning Israel “scandalous”.
The European Broadcasting Union faces mounting pressure to ban Israel due to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Countries including Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia have threatened to boycott if Israel isn’t excluded EBU announced last month plans for an unprecedented online vote in November that could determine Israel’s expulsion from Eurovision 2026.
Germany is part of Eurovision’s ‘Big Five’ major financial contributors. The 70th Eurovision edition is scheduled for May 16, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, amid this unprecedented controversy over Israel’s participation.
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