Eurovision hit by largest boycott in 70-year history

The Eurovision Song Contest’s 70th edition has descended into the deepest crisis in its history, as protests and boycotts over Israel’s participation — despite ongoing genocide in Gaza — rocked the event. The first semi-final at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle saw Israeli representative Noam Bettan, performing 10th, greeted by audience chants of “Stop the genocide” and Palestinian flags displayed in the hall. Security forcibly ejected protesters wearing “Free Palestine” shirts and carrying Palestinian flags.

Withdrawals and solidarity events

Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands withdrew from the competition in protest over Israel’s inclusion. Several countries refused to broadcast the semi-final, airing Palestine-themed programming instead. Slovenia’s public broadcaster RTV SLO showed documentaries on Gaza under the “Voices of Palestine” banner. In Brussels, an alternative concert titled “Unity for Palestine — No Stage for Genocide” was organised to protest Israel’s Eurovision participation.

Social media controversy and EBU warning

Despite new European Broadcasting Union rules banning government-backed or third-party voting campaigns, the Israeli delegation posted videos urging “Vote 10 times for Israel.” The EBU issued an official warning and demanded the immediate removal of the content, which Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reportedly complied with. The controversy has reignited criticism of the EBU’s double standards, with activists noting that Russia was excluded from Eurovision over the Ukraine war while Israel continues to compete.