”Avrotros can no longer justify Israel's participation under the current circumstances, considering the ongoing human suffering in Gaza”, the company writes in a statement.
Avrotros writes that the company is now awaiting a decision from EBU, the European radio and TV union that organizes Eurovision Song Contest (ESC).
”If EBU decides not to let Israel participate, Avrotros will gladly participate next year. While waiting for that decision, the preparations continue as planned”.
Strongly questioned
The Netherlands is thus following Ireland, which announced on Thursday that the country will not send any artist if Israel is allowed to participate.
Israel's participation in Eurovision Song Contest has been strongly questioned since the war in Gaza began in 2023. In addition to the Netherlands and Ireland, also among others Slovenia and Spain have expressed themselves strongly against Israel's participation. But so far, EBU has not wanted to expel the country from the competition
”We understand and are aware of the issues that have been raised and the strong opinions that exist regarding the conflict in the Middle East. We are still consulting with all EBU member countries and taking in views on how the geopolitical tension around Eurovision Song Contest should be handled”, said ESC's highest responsible Martin Green in a statement to TT on Thursday.
SVT ”will return”
SVT does not want to take a stand yet, but refers to EBU's consultation which is still ongoing, according to SVT's communications manager Hanna Dowling.
”SVT does not want to precede events but is relating to the process that EBU has initiated. We are primarily conducting a dialogue with EBU and will return later”, she says in a written statement.
Next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 12-16 in Vienna, Austria.
