Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands announced their withdrawals Thursday from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after organizers decided that Israel will be allowed to compete.
Organizers of the pop music spectacle, which draws millions of viewers globally, met earlier Thursday to discuss Israel’s participation, amid calls for the country to be excluded over the war in Gaza and threats from some members to boycott.
Members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the primary organizer of the event, decided not to hold a vote on Israel’s participation but said that “targeted changes” should be introduced to improve neutrality.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was “pleased” with the EBU’s decision and thanked all those who “stood up for Israel’s right to continue to contribute and compete at Eurovision.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was “ashamed” of the countries boycotting the contest.
The Eurovision meeting was held at the Geneva headquarters of the EBU, a group of public broadcasters from 56 countries, to consider new rules unveiled last month to limit governments and third parties from disproportionately influencing voting.
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