Iceland's stance on Eurovision participation following Israel vote

Icelandic broadcaster RÚV has stated that its board will discuss on Wednesday whether Iceland will take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

The announcement was made following the vote held at the EBU's 95th General Assembly today on the new Eurovision regulation changes announced recently.

The proposal for the new Eurovision Song Contest rules was approved by 738 votes to 264, with 120 abstentions. The vote confirms that Israel is eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, with the next edition scheduled to be held in Vienna next May.

If the proposal had been defeated, a vote would have been held on Israel's participation in Eurovision.

Following the vote, broadcasters from four countries announced their withdrawal from the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, including the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and "Big 5" nation Spain.

Last week, the RÚV board approved a recommendation that Israel be excluded from the contest.

Stefán Jón Hafstein, chairman of the board of RÚV, stated last week:

"A majority today agreed to recommend to the board of the European Broadcasting Union, EBU, to expel Israel from the competition next spring 2026."

He says the resolution was approved by five votes out of nine at the RÚV board meeting on November 26th.

On November 26th, when asked if RUV will participate in Eurovision if Israel is not barred from participating, RÚV board chairman Stefán Jón Hafstein said: "It will be discussed at a special board meeting after the EBU meeting. No position was taken on it at today's meeting."

That special board meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, 10th December, with more updates to come following the meeting.

For continued updates on all Eurovision Song Contest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Threads and Instagram. All the links can be found at: https://linktr.ee/aussievisionnet