LBCI

Israel cleared to stay in Eurovision; Spain, Ireland and others quit in protest

World News

05-12-2025 | 08:44

Share

Share

Israel cleared to stay in Eurovision; Spain, Ireland and others quit in protest

Israel was cleared on Thursday to enter the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest by the organizer, prompting Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia to withdraw over the Gaza war and plunging the competition into one of the biggest rows in its history.

The broadcasters who had threatened to boycott the event cited the death count in Gaza and accused Israel of flouting rules meant to guard the contest's neutrality. Israel accuses its critics of mounting a global smear campaign against it.

After a meeting in Geneva, the European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, decided not to call a vote on Israel's participation, saying it had instead passed new rules aimed at discouraging governments from influencing the contest.

Right after that announcement by the contest organizer, the Dutch, Spanish, Irish and Slovenian broadcasters said they would withdraw, meaning singers from their countries would not compete in the contest that draws millions of viewers worldwide.

Reuters

World News

Middle East News

Israel

Eurovision

Spain

Ireland

Quit

Protest

Next

Swiss police believe around 40 died at Swiss bar explosion, Italy says

Recommended For You

US approves potential sale of Joint Direct Attack Munitions-Extend Range to Saudi Arabia for $5 billion

14:54

US approves potential sale of Joint Direct Attack Munitions-Extend Range to Saudi Arabia for $5 billion

Trump says Iran war is 'small potatoes' for US

14:49

Trump says Iran war is 'small potatoes' for US

Ukraine offers Russia truce while Trump envoys visit Moscow, Kyiv

12:47

Ukraine offers Russia truce while Trump envoys visit Moscow, Kyiv

US and allies want IAEA board to report Iran to UN Security Council, diplomats say

10:46

US and allies want IAEA board to report Iran to UN Security Council, diplomats say

Subscribe to our VOD

SUBSCRIBE

Our visitors readings

Israeli airstrikes kill 3,980 and injured 12,001 since March 2: Health Ministry

2026-06-19

Israeli airstrikes kill 3,980 and injured 12,001 since March 2: Health Ministry

Lebanese Army chief visits frontline unit, praises troops after ceasefire takes effect

2026-04-18

Lebanese Army chief visits frontline unit, praises troops after ceasefire takes effect

Iran says had 'no plans to target' UAE, as Emiratis report fresh strikes: state TV

Middle East News

2026-05-04

Iran says had 'no plans to target' UAE, as Emiratis report fresh strikes: state TV

Sources to LBCI: Lebanese Army Commander to visit Washington from February 3 to 5 after last year’s cancellation

2026-01-19

Sources to LBCI: Lebanese Army Commander to visit Washington from February 3 to 5 after last year’s cancellation

Videos

Lebanon-Israel talks: delegations arrive at US Embassy in Rome — Video

2026-08-06

Lebanon-Israel talks: delegations arrive at US Embassy in Rome — Video

Residents begin returning to Zawtar el-Gharbiyeh, southern Lebanon: Video

2026-07-24

Residents begin returning to Zawtar el-Gharbiyeh, southern Lebanon: Video

Slotkin to LBCI: Lebanese army needs resources to confront Hezbollah, $36 million request submitted for special forces

2026-07-20

Slotkin to LBCI: Lebanese army needs resources to confront Hezbollah, $36 million request submitted for special forces

Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington: trilateral framework agreement first step toward restoring sovereignty

2026-06-26

Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington: trilateral framework agreement first step toward restoring sovereignty

Rubio on Lebanon-Israel framework agreement: 'beginning of the beginning,' more work needed

2026-06-26

Rubio on Lebanon-Israel framework agreement: 'beginning of the beginning,' more work needed

Lebanon, Israel sign trilateral framework agreement after Washington talks attended by Rubio: Video

2026-06-26

Lebanon, Israel sign trilateral framework agreement after Washington talks attended by Rubio: Video

Israeli strikes renew on Choukine, Maifadoun, and Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon: Video

2026-06-20

Israeli strikes renew on Choukine, Maifadoun, and Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon: Video

Massive Israeli strikes hit South Lebanon under ceasefire conditions

2026-06-19

Massive Israeli strikes hit South Lebanon under ceasefire conditions

Trump criticizes Israel’s Lebanon campaign, says war has gone on ‘too long’ and floats Syria role in conflict

2026-06-16

Trump criticizes Israel’s Lebanon campaign, says war has gone on ‘too long’ and floats Syria role in conflict

Most read

24 hours

7 days

Month

Who are the 12 Lebanese Jews at the heart of Netanyahu’s detainee deal?

1

Who are the 12 Lebanese Jews at the heart of Netanyahu’s detainee deal?

Ali al-Taher under fire: What prompted Israel’s latest move?

2

Ali al-Taher under fire: What prompted Israel’s latest move?

Fuel prices increase across Lebanon

3

Fuel prices increase across Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister: Control of Ali al-Taher heights strengthens ‘security zone’ in southern Lebanon

4

Israeli Defense Minister: Control of Ali al-Taher heights strengthens ‘security zone’ in southern Lebanon

UNIFIL patrol accidentally enters Ghobeiry, collides with civilian vehicle: Videos

5

UNIFIL patrol accidentally enters Ghobeiry, collides with civilian vehicle: Videos

Israeli ambassador to France: Strengthening Lebanese Army is a ‘step in the right direction’

6

Israeli ambassador to France: Strengthening Lebanese Army is a ‘step in the right direction’

President Aoun welcomes release of first group of Lebanese detainees held by Israel

7

President Aoun welcomes release of first group of Lebanese detainees held by Israel

Aoun urges release of remaining Lebanese detainees in talks with US delegation

8

Aoun urges release of remaining Lebanese detainees in talks with US delegation

Download now the LBCI mobile app

To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world

Google Play

App Store

Download now the LBCI mobile app

We use
cookies

We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.

Accept

Learn More