What impact does the new Eurovision hosting rule have on Israel?

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New Eurovision Hosting Rule Impacts Countries in Armed Conflict, Potentially Affecting Israel

Eurovision Song Contest organisers have introduced new rules that will make any country involved in an armed conflict ineligible to host the competition. This change means that a winning broadcaster will automatically be disqualified from hosting if a conflict or significant geopolitical situation materially impacts the security or stability of their state or immediate region. While not explicitly named, Israel, which has been engaged in conflict in Gaza since 2023, has previously come close to winning and could be affected by this new stipulation.
Countries in Armed Conflict Barred from Hosting

Under the revised regulations, the winning country's broadcaster is automatically ineligible to host the following year's event if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other circumstance materially affects the security, safety, or stability of their nation or its immediate surroundings. This marks a significant shift from previous practices where the winning nation would typically host.
Past Instances of Ineligibility and Boycotts

The new rules come after a period where Israel's participation in the contest has been contentious. Israel achieved second place in both the 2025 and 2026 competitions. Notably, in 2026, five nations—Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland—boycotted the event in Vienna due to their objection to Israel's participation in light of its war in Gaza.
Security Assessments and Alternative Host Selection

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) retains the authority to commission an independent security assessment to determine a winning country's capability to host safely. If a country is deemed unable to host, the EBU will select an alternative host nation. This alternative host will organise the event independently, rather than on behalf of the ineligible winning country. This process was seen in practice when Ukraine, the winner of the 2022 contest, was unable to host the 2023 edition due to Russia's full-scale invasion, with the event subsequently held in Liverpool, the United Kingdom, on Ukraine's behalf.

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What impact does the new Eurovision hosting rule have on Israel?

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