By Famagusta Gazette

Copyright famagusta-gazette

MADRID — Spain will pull out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, the country’s public broadcaster RTVE confirmed Tuesday.

The decision makes Spain the first of the contest’s “Big Five” nations — which include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy — to formally adopt such a stance. These five countries automatically qualify for the Eurovision final due to their financial contributions.

Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun had announced Monday that Spain should not take part if Israel remains in the lineup. RTVE’s board approved the withdrawal the following day, citing concerns over the ongoing war in Gaza.

Ireland and the Netherlands have also stated they will not participate unless Israel is excluded. The European Broadcasting Union is expected to address the issue at its General Assembly in December, as pressure mounts from member states calling for a ban.