Eurovision executive supervisor reveals details – Israel’s participation depends on Gaza situation

The question of Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is once again in the spotlight, following a recent statement by the competition’s Executive Supervisor, Martin Green. His words clearly suggest that the final decision on the country’s presence on the 2026 Eurovision stage is not yet firm and depends on the further development of the political and military situation in Gaza.

In a statement that attracted significant attention, Green emphasized that every member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) that applies has the right to participate. However, he added that the „discussion on this issue will certainly continue throughout the year.“ He explicitly stated: „In every conflict situation, we all want to see an end. We will see how their participation develops over the coming months.“

This statement represents a significant precedent. Although the EBU has insisted for years that Eurovision is an apolitical event, the reality is that political pressures are growing stronger and influencing the course of the competition itself. The participation of countries in active conflicts cannot leave either the public or national broadcasters indifferent, which has been confirmed by earlier pressures from Finland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, as well as public calls for a boycott.

Green’s stance shows a rare transparency and realism, acknowledging the right of every member to participate while also leaving room for dialogue and potential changes. How the issue of Israel will be resolved will likely be one of the most critical questions for Eurovision 2026. The EBU faces the challenge of managing not only the artistic aspect but also the complex political dynamics that are shaping the future of the competition, and the possibility of significant changes remains open.

While fans are eagerly awaiting decisions on artistic submissions and new voting rules, the situation with Israel reminds us that Eurovision, although seemingly light-years away from global conflicts, is inextricably linked to events in the world. We face a year full of uncertainty, in which the EBU will have to find a balance between its proclaimed values and the inevitable political reality.