Germany to skip Eurovision if Israel banned from competing

Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it a “scandal” that excluding Israel from the contest is even being discussed.

By World Israel News Staff

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his country would not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is banned from competing, signaling support for the Jewish state as several European countries threaten to boycott the event if Israel takes part.

“If Israel is excluded, I would support not taking part” in Eurovision, Merz told German TV station ARD on Sunday.

“I think it’s a scandal that [banning Israel from the competition] is even being discussed,” he added. “Israel belongs there.”

Merz emphasized that Germany’s “solidarity with Israel has never been in question,” describing his “personal feelings toward Israel” as “entirely positive — it’s a wonderful country.”

However, he also noted that in his view, “some of the military actions in the Gaza war went too far.”

Israel’s expected participation in next year’s contest has sparked controversy among European countries that traditionally compete at Eurovision, amid a surge of hostility toward the Jewish state’s involvement in international cultural events.

Spain, which has been extremely critical of Jerusalem, recently announced it will boycott the 2026 Eurovision if Israel competes.

As one of the contest’s “Big Five” countries — which automatically qualify for the final — Spain’s absence would mark a significant disruption in Eurovision’s usual format.

Spanish state broadcasting executive José Pablo López said that the alleged “genocide” in Gaza “makes it impossible for us to look the other way.”

Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have also threatened to skip the contest if Israel is allowed to compete.

According to reports, members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will vote on whether to ban Israel during their annual General Assembly in early November.

Israeli singer Yuval Raphael placed second in the 2025 Eurovision after earning the highest audience vote, but was largely snubbed by the professional juries.