German Minister Against ESC Exclusion of Israel

"I not only consider it fundamentally wrong, but I also find it politically highly problematic," said the CDU politician to the German Press Agency during her visit to Israel.

Next ESC to be held in Austria in 2026

"Enlightenment requires staying in dialogue with each other and not punishing artists and scientists for the actions of a government," warned Prien. In some cases, Jewish scientists or artists who are not even Israelis are being punished. "This has anti-Semitic traits. And that's why I think it's right that Germany insists that Israel participates in the ESC and would otherwise cancel its own participation."

The next ESC will take place in Austria in 2026. Some countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland have threatened to boycott in the event of an Israeli performance, citing the suffering of the Palestinian population as the reason. In December, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) plans to consult with its members on the issue.

ORF Chief and Chancellor also in favor of participation

ORF Director General Roland Weißmann emphasized in an APA interview in mid-October that it remains clear to him that Israel must participate in the Vienna Eurovision Song Contest 2026. He wants to seek dialogue with skeptics. Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) also advocates for Israel's participation: "I would consider it a fatal mistake to exclude Israel. Due to our history alone, I would never support that," Stocker recently told the dpa.

The trigger for the Gaza war was the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were taken to the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government responded with widespread bombings and a ground offensive. Tens of thousands of people were killed. A ceasefire has been in place for about three weeks.

More about the ESC

(APA/Red)

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