Merz threatens Eurovision boycott if Israel excluded from 2026 contest

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that Germany would boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna if Israel is excluded from participation. Several European nations including Ireland, Iceland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Belgium, and Spain are demanding Israel's exclusion or threatening their own boycotts due to Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip.

The European Broadcasting Union has scheduled a special virtual meeting in November to vote on Israel's continued participation in the contest. Merz has described the debate surrounding Israel's potential exclusion as a 'scandal' and firmly supports Israel's right to participate. He emphasized that Germany would voluntarily withdraw from the competition if Israel were excluded.

The Israeli broadcaster Kan has argued that Eurovision should remain cultural rather than political, calling any potential exclusion 'particularly disturbing'. Public opinion in Germany appears divided, with polling showing some support for excluding Israel as a form of political pressure. This year's Eurovision winner has also voiced support for Israel's exclusion.

As one of the 'Big Five' countries, Germany has guaranteed participation in Eurovision and contributed over 450,000 euros to the 2026 contest.