Austrian Eurovision winner says Israel should be barred from 2026 contest

Austria’s Eurovision champion JJ has publicly called for Israel to be banned from the 2026 edition of the contest, set to take place in Vienna, citing Israel’s war on Gaza, which has been described by international human rights organisations as a "genocide".

“It is very disappointing to see Israel still participating in the contest. I would like the next Eurovision to be held in Vienna and without Israel,” JJ told El País in an interview published on Thursday.

Despite Eurovision's claims of political neutrality, the 2025 contest was mired in controversy due to Israel’s inclusion, with critics citing its military campaign in the enclave that has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including more than 16,500 children. 

The singer also criticised Eurovision’s voting process, calling for reform to increase transparency.

Though El País did not reference the war in Gaza directly, JJ’s remarks echo similar calls by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to bar Israel from international cultural events.