Iceland has become the fifth country to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, joining Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands. The decision came after Israel’s participation in the contest was officially confirmed last week.

Stefan Eiriksson, director-general of Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, said, “There is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now. On that basis, we are stepping back while the situation is as it is.”

RÚV added that Israel’s involvement had caused “disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union and the general public.” The broadcaster’s board approved the boycott on Wednesday, just hours before the deadline for countries to confirm participation in next year’s 70th edition of the contest.

Eurovision director Martin Green said he respected the decision and hoped the countries would return in the future.

Israel’s presence has sparked tensions due to the war in Gaza and concerns over voting and campaigning, including allegations that Israel’s government sought to influence public votes at this year’s event. The EBU recently introduced new rules to protect voting integrity, prompting most countries to confirm their participation.

Despite these measures, RÚV said doubts remained about whether the adjustments were sufficient. It noted that Icelandic artists and the public had opposed participation and that requests to bar Israel’s public broadcaster KAN had been denied.

Israel has participated in Eurovision since 1973, winning four times, most recently in 2018, and finishing second in 2025. Iceland has never won but came second in 1999 and 2009.

Meanwhile, Poland confirmed it will compete in 2026, saying Eurovision can still be “a space filled with music – and only music.”

With inputs from BBC