Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest will be debated at a two-day meeting of member broadcasters in Geneva starting today.
Countries including Ireland, Iceland, Spain, and the Netherlands have threatened in recent months to pull out of the 2026 contest if Israel takes part.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the Eurovision Song Contest, had planned to convene member broadcasters in November for a vote on the issue.
But a few days after the October announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the EBU postponed a decision until this week's two-day meeting.
Last month, the EBU announced that it had changed its voting rules to address members' concerns and to strengthen "trust and transparency".
During this week's meeting, broadcasters will be asked to consider whether the new measures are sufficient or whether they still wish to see a vote on Israel's participation.
In September, RTÉ said its position was that Ireland would not take part in Eurovision next year if Israel participated, and that a final decision would be made after the EBU's decision.
RTÉ added that Ireland's participation would be "unconscionable", given the loss of lives in Gaza, which has surpassed 70,000, according to Gaza health authorities.
The war was sparked by the 7 October, 2023 attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage to Gaza.
The contest faces a "watershed moment", said Eurovision expert Paul Jordan.
The meeting at the European Broadcasting Union headquarters in Geneva follows allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant to the contest this year.
Israel, which came second in the contest, has not responded to these accusations, but frequently argues it has faced a global smear campaign.
If members are not convinced that the new rules, which aim to protect the contest's neutrality and impartiality, are adequate, there will be a vote on participation, the EBU said.
Germany could withdraw and not broadcast Eurovision if Israel is not allowed to participate, a broadcasting industry source told Reuters.
German broadcaster ARD did not comment. Austrian host broadcaster ORF wants Israel to compete.
Israeli public broadcaster KAN said it is preparing for next year's contest and will soon release changes to its selection process for choosing Israel's entry.
KAN said it will present its position on possible disqualification at the meeting.
Reporting: Dónal Ryan
Additional Reporting: Reuters
