Set: Israel in Eurovision, three other states withdraw

These states were among the countries that demanded Israel's exclusion, due to the humanitarian cost of war in Gaza and allegations of irregularities in the voting process, writes BBC.

Despite calls to hold a vote on Israel's participation, members instead adopted a new set of rules aimed at protecting the festival's integrity.

In a statement, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros stressed that “participation in such circumstances is incompatible with the public values we consider essential”.

Meanwhile, Spanish television RTVE said: “Bard of RTVE has decided since last September that Spain will withdraw from Eurovision if Israel is part of it”, the telegram reads.

This attraction also means that RTVE will not broadcast the 2026 Eurovision final... nor the preliminary semifinals”.

RTVE was one of the initiators of the motion for Israel's exclusion and demanded that the vote be held under a secret vote.

According to broadcasters, organisers “refused RTVE's request”, adding: “This decision-making increases RTVE's distrust of the festival organisation and confirms the political pressures surrounding it”.

Other broadcasters, including Slovenia and Iceland, are expected to withdraw from the race. /Periscope/