Eurovision chief rules out future votes on Israel's participation despite ongoing country boycotts

Lead

Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green has affirmed that there will be no further votes by European Broadcasting Union (EBU) member countries on whether to exclude Israel from the competition. In an interview with Variety, Green stated decisively: "No, that's done. The membership spoke conclusively. Almost 70% made their decision that they believe that public service broadcasters are not responsible for the actions of their government, and that KAN should be allowed to participate."

The statement comes amid ongoing boycotts and allegations against Israel's participation, yet the EBU has held firm on its stance.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post, which reported on both the interview and Israel's upcoming participation, placed significant emphasis on the continuity of Israel's Eurovision involvement. The outlet detailed the renewed partnership between KAN, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, and Keshet 12, along with Tedy Productions, to select Israel's 2027 representative through the talent show "The Next Star for Eurovision." This coverage highlighted the operational and financial aspects of the collaboration, noting that Keshet will assume a significant portion of the costs, reducing KAN's expenses.

In its reporting on the EBU's position, the Jerusalem Post framed Green's remarks as a definitive rejection of exclusion efforts. The outlet also addressed cheating allegations against Israel, reporting that publications including The New York Times made accusations without providing evidence. Green told Variety that there was no evidence of undue large-scale paid promotion or voting irregularities in 2026 or past years, emphasizing that the vote is "fair and true and validated."

Key Claims

• Israel's representative for the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria will be selected through the television talent show "The Next Star for Eurovision," airing on Keshet 12 this fall. KAN will participate in selecting the winner during the semifinal and final stages.
• Noam Bettan finished second with "Michelle" at the 2026 contest in Vienna, which was won by Bulgaria's DARA with "Bangaranga." Bulgaria will host Eurovision 2027, though the host city and dates are not yet announced.
• Bettan's result marked Israel's second consecutive runner-up finish. Yuval Raphael came in second with "New Day Will Rise" at Eurovision 2025 and placed first in the public vote. Eden Golan finished fifth overall with "Hurricane" and came in second in the public vote at the 2024 contest.
• Israel last won Eurovision in 2018 with Netta Barzilai's "Toy" in Lisbon, Portugal.
• The song selection process for 2027 will follow procedures introduced ahead of Eurovision 2026, which include anonymous submissions and permitted use of AI technology in recordings. The selection committee will pick up to approximately 40 songs in the first stage.
• KAN reported that the 2026 Eurovision final drew over one million television viewers on KAN 11, with a 32.7% rating, peaking at 53.7% during Bettan's performance. More than three million watched through KAN's digital platforms.
• Following Israel's 2025 showing, there were calls to investigate Israel for possible rules violations; no wrongdoing was found.
• Five countries—Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Iceland—boycotted Eurovision 2026 after the EBU declined to put Israeli participation to a vote at its December general assembly.
• The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has been accepted as an EBU member and will be able to participate in Eurovision.

Perspectives

• EBU/Eurovision leadership: Martin Green frames Israel's continued participation as a settled matter, with the EBU membership having spoken conclusively. He rejects cheating allegations as unsubstantiated and asserts the integrity of the voting process.
• Boycotting countries: Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Iceland chose to boycott Eurovision 2026 rather than perform alongside Israel. Their protests followed the EBU's decision not to hold a vote on Israel's participation, reflecting a view that KAN's involvement is unacceptable despite EBU membership principles.
• Israeli broadcasters and organizers: KAN and Keshet 12 emphasize the success of their partnership, highlighting strong performances and high audience ratings as evidence of a professional and effective selection process. They frame Israel's participation as a point of national pride and cultural achievement.