The conflict in Palestine and the current war with Iran have unsurprisingly dismantled whatever good reputation Israel had within the global community. In Europe, the most widespread and publicised expression of this distaste can be seen in the coming Eurovision competition.
Since its debut in 1956, the 2026 Eurovision contest is looking to be the most boycotted event in its history. As of April 2026, five countries have refused to participate, and over 1000 artists have encouraged boycotts of the event under the international initiative No Music for Genocide.
Established in September 2025, No Music for Genocide calls for a cultural boycott of the country. Many of its industry participants have geo-blocked and removed their music from the country due to the ongoing damage inflicted on Gaza and Palestinians perpetuated by Israel.
Many artists and viewers of Eurovision see the event’s refusal to ban Israel from competing as the organization’s approval of and support for the actions Israel enacts towards the Palestinians. As time goes on, more and more people, particularly from Gen Z and millennials, are refusing ever to watch the event again, so long as Israel is on stage.
However, another initiative has arisen to combat the calls for boycotts. A recent open letter from the non-profit organization Creative Community for Peace (CCFP) showed over 1000 celebrities supporting Israel’s inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest. This letter calls for unity amongst all European nations, with one artist accusing the boycott of doing nothing but distracting from the “…uplifting and unifying power of music.”
It is hard to say whether or not Israel will be banned from the competition. The country has been a participant in the competition since 1973 and has deep connections and support within its organizations’ higher-ups. Eurovision may have to make its decision when the ratings of this year’s event are finalized, and by then it may already be too late..
