By Daniel Welsh

Copyright huffingtonpost

A new poll indicates that the vast majority of British Eurovision fans would be in favour of Israel being excluded from next year’s event.

Israel’s involvement in Eurovision has been a contentious issue for a number of years now because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led some critics to go as far as calling for a boycott of the event completely.

The last few weeks have seen several countries’ national broadcasters saying that they will withdraw from Eurovision if Israel is invited back in 2026, with a vote on the matter due to take place later this year.

Research from Find Out Now found that 82% of Britons supported Israel’s ban from Eurovision, similar to how Russia was excluded from competing after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

This figure rose to 87% when it was narrowed down to just Eurovision fans, which encompassed someone who has watched the contest for at least four of the last five years.

Meanwhile, 69% of those surveyed said that the UK should pull out of Eurovision if Israel does return next year.

Political advisor and Eurovision superfan Pablo O’Hana, who commissioned the poll, said: “The EBU were right to exclude Russia after its unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine, and I was so proud of my country when we hosted in Liverpool on behalf of our neighbours under siege. It was Britain at its best and Eurovision at its finest.

“But the organisers now risk ripping out its soul. The EBU’s refusal to apply the same principle to Israel is forcing members to take a stand or face a credibility crisis.

“The British public can see that double standard – and they want the UK to stand with our allies like Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands in walking away.”

HuffPost UK has contacted the BBC for comment.

Meanwhile, the corporation’s director-general Tim Davie said earlier this month: “We’re very aware of the concerns. Eurovision never has been about politics and should be a celebration of music and culture that brings people together. That is really important, that we try and preserve throughout.”

A Eurovision rep previously told HuffPost UK: “We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. We are still consulting with all EBU Members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Song Contest.

“Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna. It is up to each Member to decide if they want to take part in the Contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make.”

Reigning Eurovision winner JJ has also backed calls for Israel’s expulsion, as has his predecessor Nemo, who told HuffPost UK earlier this year: “I support the call for Israel’s exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest. Israel’s actions are fundamentally at odds with the values that Eurovision claims to uphold – peace, unity and respect for human rights.”