Iceland's public broadcaster RÚV has confirmed it will not take part in next year's Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, becoming the fifth country to withdraw in protest at Israel's participation.
In a statement issued after a meeting of its board of directors today, RÚV said it had decided to inform the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) that Iceland would not participate in Eurovision 2026.
The broadcaster stated that public debate in Iceland and the reaction to last week's EBU decision showed that there would be "neither joy nor peace" around participating, and that the contest could no longer fulfil its traditional role of uniting viewers in the country.
RÚV said it had raised concerns about Israel’s participation at EBU meetings in London earlier this year and at last week’s General Assembly in Geneva. There, members backed a package of reforms to Eurovision’s rules, including tighter restrictions on campaigning and changes to the voting system, but did not move to exclude Israeli broadcaster KAN from the 2026 contest.
The Icelandic broadcaster said it had repeatedly highlighted opposition from stakeholders at home, including artists’ associations and sections of the public, and had formally asked the EBU to remove KAN, citing earlier precedents such as the exclusion of Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
It said the issue had become "complex to resolve" and had already damaged the reputation of both Eurovision and the EBU.
Eurovision 2026 is due to take place at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle in May, marking the 70th edition of the contest after Austria’s victory with Wasted Love in Basel earlier this year.
Iceland's move comes days after RTÉ confirmed that Ireland will not compete in or broadcast Eurovision 2026, following the EBU decision to allow Israel to take part under the new rules.
In a statement last week, RTÉ said participation would be "unconscionable" given the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and raised particular concern about the killing of journalists and the lack of access for international media.
Ireland, which holds a record seven Eurovision wins, is among several countries that have now announced boycotts of the Vienna contest. Broadcasters in Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands have also said they will not participate in 2026 because of Israel’s inclusion, with Iceland now becoming the fifth country to step away.
RTÉ’s decision has sparked debate, with public commentary and opinion polling focusing on Ireland’s Eurovision record, the role of public service broadcasters and the impact of the Gaza war on cultural events. Former Irish winners such as Johnny Logan and Charlie McGettigan have publicly backed the boycott, arguing it is consistent with Ireland’s stance on human rights and international law.
The EBU has said the updated rules for 2026, which include stricter limits on vote campaigning and a revamped jury system, are designed to "strengthen trust and transparency" and ensure Eurovision remains a non-political music event.
After last week's General Assembly in Geneva, the organisation said a large majority of members believed there was no need for a further vote on participation beyond endorsing the new framework.
Israeli officials and broadcaster KAN have welcomed the decision to remain in the contest, rejecting allegations of political interference in previous editions and saying Israel has complied with Eurovision rules.
President Isaac Herzog has said Israel "deserves to be represented on every stage in the world" and has described continued participation as a symbol of cultural inclusion.
