Chancellor Merz supports Germany's withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is banned

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Germany should withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 if Israel is excluded from participating.

The remarks, made during an interview on the ARD program Caren Miosga, come ahead of a key decision by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on Israel’s eligibility to compete.

Merz called the debate around banning Israel from Eurovision “scandalous” and stated, “If Israel is excluded, I would support not taking part. Israel belongs in Eurovision.”

He acknowledged criticism of the current Israeli government's actions in Gaza, despite his “excellent” personal relationship with the country. Merz also maintained that defending Israel’s existence remains part of Germany’s “reason of state,” while showing support for a two-state solution, even if it is not currently backed by the Israeli government.

Countries that have stated they will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel takes part include Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.

A decision on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is expected in early November, when EBU members convene for an extraordinary General Assembly.