Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS has declared it will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel competes, becoming the latest European broadcaster to threaten withdrawal over the Gaza conflict.
The announcement came on Friday, just one day after Ireland’s RTÉ made an identical pledge regarding the Vienna contest scheduled for May.
AVROTROS stated that Israel’s involvement would be incompatible with the broadcaster’s values, pointing to humanitarian suffering in Gaza as a primary factor in their decision.
The Dutch broadcaster confirmed it would “gladly take part” if the European Broadcasting Union excludes Israel from the competition.
Actor Stephen Rea speaking at a pro-Palestine protest outside the RTE in Dublin, calling for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest in May
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This brings the total number of broadcasters threatening withdrawal to at least four, with Slovenia and Iceland having previously announced similar intentions.
In its statement, AVROTROS expressed that it “can no longer justify Israel’s participation in the current situation, given the ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza”.
The broadcaster raised additional concerns about press freedom violations and what it termed “proven evidence of interference by the Israeli government” during the 2025 contest.
AVROTROS accused Israel of using Eurovision “as a political instrument,” declaring these circumstances incompatible with its values as a public service broadcaster.
Vienna will host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest
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The Dutch organisation emphasised that Eurovision was established in 1956 to unite people following war and division, with music serving as a unifying force centred on peace, equality and respect.
“Participation by AVROTROS in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will not be possible as long as Israel is admitted by the EBU,” the broadcaster stated.
RTÉ made its position clear on Thursday, stating that “Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead”.
The Irish broadcaster declared that competing would be “unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza”.
RTÉ also expressed particular concern about “the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, and the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages”.
The broadcaster thanked the EBU for initiating consultations following concerns raised at July’s General Assembly and for extending the withdrawal option without penalty until December.
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst reiterated these concerns, whilst Irish Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers expressed respect for the broadcaster’s position.
The 70th anniversary Eurovision contest is scheduled for Vienna in May 2026, following Austrian singer JJ’s victory in Basel with Wasted Love.
Both Ireland and the Netherlands have stated their nations won’t participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel does
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Eurovision director Martin Green acknowledged the “deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East” and confirmed consultations with EBU members are continuing.
He stated that broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm participation and that the organisation would “respect any decision broadcasters make”.
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Ireland has seen several protests calling for the Eurovision Song Contest to be boycotted
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez suggested in May that Israel should be excluded from future contests, whilst consultations between the EBU and Spanish, Slovenian, and Irish broadcasters had already begun before this week’s announcements.
The Gaza conflict has resulted in at least 64,656 Palestinian deaths according to health ministry figures that the UN considers reliable, with most casualties being women and children.