FIFTH nation quits Eurovision over Israel's participation in song contest as Iceland pulls out

Iceland now joins Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands, which withdrew from the competition in recent days.

“Participation of Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, in the contest has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public,” RÚV stated.

The broadcaster had previously signalled its intention to skip Eurovision but waited for formal board approval.

RÚV’s full statement noted that KAN’s involvement had been debated extensively at EBU gatherings in London over the summer and again in Geneva last week.

“It is clear from the public debate in this country and the reaction to last week’s EBU decision that there will be neither joy nor peace regarding RÚV’s participation in Eurovision,” the broadcaster declared.

The statement added Eurovision had always aimed to unify Icelanders, but that goal could no longer be met under current circumstances.

RÚV’s director-general had already expressed reservations in Geneva, citing opposition from Icelandic artists’ associations and the wider public to taking part while Israel remains in the contest.

The board’s withdrawal decision followed weeks of debate, including a vote a fortnight ago in which directors narrowly recommended, by five votes to four, that the EBU should exclude Israel.

Chairman Stefán Jón Hafstein described the EBU’s refusal to do so as “disappointing".

Iceland’s culture minister, Logi Einarsson, publicly expressed his personal unease with competing but said he would not interfere with RÚV’s editorial independence.

“Well, my gut feeling says no, but I am not going to interfere in the programming of RÚV. I would consider it unfortunate under these circumstances,” Mr Einarsson said.

The move has been praised by prominent cultural figures, including the Icelandic Composers and Lyricists Association and musician Björk, who both backed a boycott.

Meanwhile, the European Broadcasting Union confirmed that approximately 35 countries are still expected to compete in Austria despite multiple withdrawals.

Responding to speculation that remaining participants may face increased fees, the EBU told Norway’s NRK that broadcasters “will not pay more” due to withdrawals.

“We can confirm that no broadcaster will pay more to participate in next year’s competition as a result of countries withdrawing,” the organisation said.

The EBU acknowledged that a “small number” of members may not take part but insisted the contest would go ahead with strong participation.

Armenia remains the only nation yet to announce its decision.

Iceland made its Eurovision debut in 1986 with “Gleðibankinn” and has competed 37 times without securing a win.

The country has twice finished in second place: Selma Björnsdóttir with “All Out of Luck” in 1999, earning 146 points, and Yohanna with “Is It True” in 2009, earning 218 points.

At this year’s contest in Basel, duo VÆB represented Iceland with “RÓA”, qualifying for the grand final but placing 25th with 33 televote points.

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