Eurovision Opens Amid Tensions and Five-Country Boycott Over Gaza

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published May 12, 2026

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The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest opened in Vienna under heightened political tension after five countries announced a boycott of the competition in protest over Israel’s participation during the ongoing war in Gaza.

According to international reports, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia chose not to participate this year, reducing the competition to 35 countries, the smallest Eurovision lineup since 2003.

The boycott comes as pressure continues to mount on the European Broadcasting Union over its decision to allow Israel to compete, while Austrian authorities have increased security measures in Vienna amid expectations of demonstrations linked to the Gaza war.

Israel is participating this year with singer Noam Bitan in a contest that, even before its official launch, has evolved from a music event into a broader political debate over Gaza and the limits between culture and politics.

Despite the controversy, Eurovision organizers said the contest will continue as planned and expressed hope that the boycotting countries would return in future editions.

Observers say this year’s competition could become one of the most politically sensitive Eurovision editions in the event’s history as divisions over the war in Gaza continue to influence cultural and international events across Europe.