The Eurovision Song Contest is still figuring out whether Israel will compete in 2026, and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has said the decision will only come in December.
The EBU – the body that runs Eurovision – had originally planned to confirm the 2026 lineup by mid‑year. But recent political tensions and the busy scheduling of national broadcasters pushed the timeline back. “We’re taking a cautious approach,” a spokesperson said, adding that Israel must still meet all the technical and financial requirements before joining.
Israel has been a reliable participant since 1973, usually sending a new artist each year. The EBU has previously faced criticism when other countries were unable to participate because of security concerns or broadcasting disputes. In this situation, the union wants to make sure all clubs are on the same page and that the contest stays peaceful and competitive.
The 2026 contest will be held in Malmo, Sweden, and the EBU’s extended deadline allows more time for volunteers, rehearsals, and broadcast arrangements. Fans of Sarmite are now hoping the decision by December keeps the show on track, while broadcasters in other countries are also aligning their schedules.
Eurovision fans can still look forward to a line‑up that includes all the usual favorites, but they’ll have to wait until the new deadline for a final answer on whether Israeli acts will appear on the Malmo stage.
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