Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared his nation would abandon the Eurovision Song Contest should Israel face exclusion from the 2026 competition.
The topic of Israel's inclusion has sparked furious debate among a number of European nations as the conflict in Gaza continues.
Speaking on ARD television on Sunday, Mr Merz stated: "I would support this [boycott]. I think it's a scandal that this is even being discussed. Israel has a place there."
His intervention marks the first time a member of Eurovision's "Big Five" financial contributors has threatened withdrawal over potential Israeli exclusion.
Eurovision: Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned his country will withdraw if Israel is booted out
|GETTY
The chancellor branded discussions about barring Israel as "outrageous", insisting that "Israel belongs in Eurovision."
Germany joins France, Austria, and Australia in opposing any ban, though Mr Merz's explicit boycott threat represents the strongest stance yet from a major Eurovision contributor.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has scheduled an unprecedented online vote for November, where all member broadcasters will decide whether Israeli broadcaster KAN can participate in Eurovision 2026.
EBU president Delphine Ernotte Cunci acknowledged in correspondence to broadcasters that "unprecedented diversity of views" exists regarding Israel's involvement, necessitating what she termed a "broader democratic basis" for the decision.
Eurovision: Israel's Yuval Raphael finished as runner-up last year
| GETTYThe extraordinary general assembly will address this single agenda item ahead of December's deadline for countries to confirm their 2026 participation.
KAN responded to the announcement by expressing hope that Eurovision would preserve its "cultural and apolitical character", whilst warning that Israel's exclusion could carry "wide-ranging implications."
Several European broadcasters have announced opposing positions on Israel's potential participation.
Spain became the first "Big Five" nation to confirm withdrawal should Israel compete, whilst the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia have issued similar ultimatums demanding Israeli exclusion.
Both Ireland and the Netherlands have stated their nations won't participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel does | GETTYDenmark's broadcaster DR has adopted a conditional approach, stating it won't withdraw if Israel participates but has established specific requirements for its continued involvement.
Over 70 former Eurovision contestants have signed an open letter demanding KAN's ban, including the 2024 winner, Swiss performer Nemo.
The division reflects broader tensions following Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel and the subsequent Gaza conflict, which has prompted international criticism of Israeli military actions.
Mr Merz acknowledged complexities in his position during the ARD interview, stating that whilst his "personal feelings toward Israel are entirely positive" and describing it as "a wonderful country", he believed "some of the military actions in the Gaza war went too far."
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Asked if Germany should boycott Eurovision if Israel is banned, Chancellor Merz says:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 7, 2025
I would be in favor of that.
It’s a scandal that this is even being discussed. Israel belongs there. pic.twitter.com/cBfVRSwhBp
The chancellor emphasised that Germany's "solidarity with Israel has never been in question."
Looking beyond the Eurovision controversy, Mr Merz pledged German involvement in Gaza's reconstruction.
"We have already offered to help, and we will do so together with other European countries. Germany will certainly be at the forefront of efforts to end the suffering of Gaza's population," he said, confirming Germany would participate in ensuring humanitarian needs are addressed and rebuilding begins.