Eurovision 2026: Bosses Address Israel Eurovision Song Contest Asia Reports

Eurovision organisers have addressed recent reports in the press suggesting that Israel could leave the competition in the near future to compete in an upcoming version specifically for countries in Asia.

Current Eurovision rules state that any country whose national broadcaster is part of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) can compete in the annual song contest, which is why Israel has been part of it since 1973, despite not being in Europe.

Back in March, the EBU announced it was putting together the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, which is due to take place in Thailand towards the end of 2026.

Following the announcement, the Israeli outlet Ynet claimed on Monday that discussions had recently taken place at the EBU about Israel being removed from its currently-held place in the competition moving forward, so that it can take part in Eurovision Asia instead.

The article cited “two sources” who claimed that after the idea was “raised and discussed”, it was met with “partial opposition” from countries who’ve already agreed to take part in Eurovision Asia.

An EBU spokesperson said: “Discussions are ongoing with other broadcasters on joining the inaugural event in November.

“No broadcaster that takes part in the Eurovision Song Contest will be taking part in Eurovision Song Contest Asia.

“The event, like the Eurovision Song Contest, will be inclusive and celebrate being United by Music. Decisions on participation are taken by the organisers.”

Countries currently confirmed to be competing in Eurovision Asia in November are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Last year, the rival competition Intervision was revived by Russia, which has been excluded from Eurovision since 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine, with 22 competing nations from around the world taking part, including China, Cuba, Egypt, Qatar, South Africa and the eventual winners, Vietnam.

Although controversy around Israel’s presence at Eurovision is nothing new, the competition has faced renewed scrutiny in recent years due to the country’s continued involvement.

Back in December, discussions took place among EBU members about whether Israel should be allowed to remain as part of Eurovision, with five nations withdrawing from this year’s contest after it was decided that Israel would be invited back in 2026.

Israeli representative Noam Bettan will perform in the first of the contest’s semi-finals in Basel, Austria on Tuesday night.