After Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Ireland withdrew from Eurovision, the European Broadcasting Union confirmed Israel’s participation in the Song Contest. In the vote held on December 4, Union members supported Israel’s entry with 738 votes “for” and 264 “against.” In total, 31 countries voted in favor, 11 against, and 5 abstained.

Countries that voted in favor of Israel’s participation in Eurovision were:

Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine.

Countries that voted against Israel’s participation were:

Algeria, Belgium, Egypt, Iceland, Ireland, Lebanon, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Jordan, Lithuania, Poland, the United Kingdom.

The decision was accompanied by new rules aimed at limiting government interference in the contest. Alongside political debates, concerns were raised about a possible financial crisis following Spain’s withdrawal, but Eurovision director Martin Green said the contest remains financially stable and that any absence could be offset by the return of some countries next year.

Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, with the grand final taking place on May 16, following the semifinals on May 12 and 14.