Spain Threatens to Boycott Eurovision Over Israel's Entry

Spain has become the fifth broadcaster to threaten to boycott the contest if Israel participates. Previously, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland made similar statements.

However, Spain is the first of the so-called "Big Five" countries of the contest to make such a statement. The "Big Five," in addition to Spain, includes the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and France.

These countries make the largest financial contributions to Eurovision, and their participants automatically advance to the final.

Sky News notes that the calls from Spain and other countries to ban Israel's participation in the contest are putting great pressure on the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the contest.

The Union has stated that a decision regarding Israel's participation has not yet been made and that "the concerns raised by several broadcasters have been taken into account."

RTVE, Spain's state broadcaster, announced its decision on September 16 after a board of directors vote of 10 in favor, 4 against, and 1 abstention.