Israel to remain in Eurovision Song Contest

Reuters

Israel will be allowed to compete in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, a meeting of the participating broadcasters has decided.

Several countries had called for Israel to be excluded over the humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza, and accusations of unfair voting practices.

Despite calls for a vote on Israel's participation, members instead approved a new set of rules intended to protect the integrity of the contest.

Dutch broadcaster Avrotros immediately announced it would boycott the 2026 contest, due to be held in Vienna next May.