The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that it will conduct a vote in November to determine whether Israel will participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. This decision comes amid rising international demands for Israel's exclusion due to its military actions in Gaza, which have reportedly resulted in over 65,000 deaths. Countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain have called for Israel's removal, referencing the EBU's previous decision to exclude Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Pro-Palestinian protests have occurred during recent contests, further intensifying the debate. Spain has threatened to boycott the event if Israel participates, with similar threats from other nations. The EBU has a history of excluding participants under specific circumstances, and the upcoming vote will require an absolute majority for any exclusion to pass. The Israeli broadcaster Kan has expressed hope that the contest will maintain its cultural identity despite the political tensions surrounding it.