• Culture

    Government veto on Israel at Eurovision puts Benidorm Fest at risk

    AnyFans Posted on

    By Santiago Carneri

    Copyright euroweeklynews

    Government veto on Israel at Eurovision puts Benidorm Fest at risk

    Recent decisions by the Spanish Government over the Israel-Palestine conflict could threaten the next Benidorm Fest, the annual music event that selects Spain’s Eurovision representative in the Costa Blanca.

    On Tuesday September 16, RTVE president José Pablo López is expected to propose to the broadcaster’s Board of Directors that Spain withdraw from Eurovision if Israel participates. Following the meeting, RTVE confirmed it would pull out unless Israel is excluded, joining the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland, and Ireland, which have all linked their participation to Israel’s absence due to its military actions in Gaza.

    A majority of board members consider Israel’s presence “inappropriate,” and Government pressure adds weight. Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun stated firmly: “We must ensure Israel does not take part in the next Eurovision edition.”

    Benidorm Fest’s future uncertain

    Spain’s withdrawal would create an unprecedented scenario for the Benidorm Fest, which is closely tied to Eurovision. Its role as an international showcase would be jeopardised, though RTVE has not clarified whether the festival could continue independently.

    Fans have voiced their views online. “The best thing for Benidorm Fest is not to go to Eurovision so it can establish itself as an independent Spanish festival,” wrote one user on X. Others called for a “strong Benidorm Fest, independent of Eurovision,” highlighting that winners should choose whether to participate in the European contest.

    The debate has been ongoing since May, when reactions to the last edition in Basel sparked calls to redirect Eurovision funds to strengthen Benidorm Fest as a standalone event, similar to Italy’s Sanremo.

    Questions remain

    With the Government opposing participation in events featuring Israel, key questions remain: will Spain enter Eurovision 2026, and can Benidorm Fest survive as an independent festival with its own identity? Organisers have not yet addressed these uncertainties, with the festival scheduled for 10–14 February 2026.

    You Might Also Like