Yuval Raphael, who represented Israel at Eurovision in 2025

The chancellor of Germany has said he would support the country boycotting next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is banned from competing.

After controversy has blighted Eurovision for the last few years due to Israel’s continued participation despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a vote is due to take place among competing national broadcasters in December, to determine whether Israel is permitted to return.

Several countries have now said they will pull out of Eurovision unless Israel is banned, but during a new interview, chancellor Friedrich Merz made it clear he supports the opposite view.

Asked by German broadcaster ARD if he’d back calls to boycott Eurovision in the event that Israel is not allowed to return, Merz responded: “I would support this. I think it’s a scandal that this is even being discussed. Israel has a place there.”

It’s worth pointing out that Germany is one of Eurovision’s “Big Five” countries, meaning they contribute the most financially, and are therefore allowed to pass straight........

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