Eurovision Boycott Over Israel's Participation

Several countries, including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, are boycotting the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after Israel was allowed to participate despite calls for its exclusion due to the war in Gaza and allegations of unfair voting practices. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided not to hold a vote on Israel's participation, citing a need to maintain the contest's neutrality. The decision has sparked a deep rift in the Eurovision community, with some broadcasters expressing their distrust and disappointment. The EBU introduced new rules to prevent governments and third parties from influencing voting campaigns. Israel's President praised the decision, while the country's broadcaster CEO saw the attempt to disqualify Israel as a cultural boycott.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has allowed Israel to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, despite criticism from some broadcasters over Israel's role in the Gaza conflict. Several countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, have announced their withdrawal from the contest in protest. The EBU's decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some broadcasters expressing their disappointment and others supporting the decision. The withdrawal of several major broadcasters has thrown the contest into chaos, with concerns over the financial implications and the future of the event.

Stuttgart's Bundesliga club has confirmed that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will be allowed to attend their upcoming Europa League match, contradicting a recent decision by West Midlands Police to ban the Israeli club's fans from an Aston Villa match. The decision was praised by Football Supporters Europe, which criticized the Birmingham authorities' move as an 'admission of defeat.' The contrast between the two decisions highlights differing approaches to managing public safety during high-profile football matches amid community tensions inflamed by the Israel-Hamas war.