Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, after it was decided Israel could compete. They were among a number of countries who had called for Israel to be excluded over the war in Gaza and accusations of unfair voting practices. Spain is one of Eurovision's "Big Five" countries along with France, Germany, Italy and the UK. Spanish broadcaster RTVE said "The board of directors of RTVE agreed last September that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision if Israel was part of it." Ireland's RTÉ said it felt that its "participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk." Israel's President Isaac Herzog said the decision to allow the country to compete was "an appreciated gesture of solidarity, brotherhood, and co-operation, symbolising a victory over those who seek to silence Israel and spread hatred." Tap the li...