PREVIEW

Eurovision Organisers Postpone Vote on Israel’s Inclusion in Next Year’s Contest. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has postponed a vote on whether Israel will be allowed to compete in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The decision follows “recent developments in the Middle East,” leading the EBU to cancel a virtual vote originally planned for November. The issue will now be discussed in person at the EBU’s winter general assembly in December, though it’s unclear if a vote will take place. Israel’s participation has sparked opposition from several countries amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and political tensions. The postponement comes days after Hamas freed all 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners under the new ceasefire. Host broadcaster ORF of Austria, which will stage Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, welcomed the EBU’s move and urged nations not to politicise the contest. Broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands have threatened to boycott the event if Israel is allowed to participate. Israel’s broadcaster Kan insists the country deserves to compete, noting Israel’s strong Eurovision legacy and its second-place finish in May.
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