STORY: Members of the body that organises the Eurovision Song Contest will meet on Thursday (December 4) to discuss and potentially vote on whether Israel can compete next year, as some countries threaten to withdraw if it is not excluded over the Gaza war.

The meeting at the European Broadcasting Union headquarters in Geneva will address new rules intended to discourage governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to sway voters, following allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant to the contest this year.

Israel, which came second in the contest, has not responded to these accusations, but frequently argues it has faced a global smear campaign.

Public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands are threatening to boycott the May 2026 event, to be hosted by Austria, if Israel is allowed to compete.

Critics of Israel's participation cite concerns over the Palestinian death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 70,000, according to Gaza health authorities. The war was sparked by the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostages to Gaza.

If members are not convinced that the new rules, which aim to protect the contest's neutrality and impartiality, are adequate, there will be a vote on participation, the EBU said.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: EXTERIORS OF EUROPEAN BROADCASTING UNION

SHOWS: GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (DECEMBER 4, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF POLICE OUTSIDE EUROPEAN BROADCASTING UNION (EBU) HEADQUARTERS

2. SIGN OUTSIDE

3. COACH OUTSIDE

4. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE ENTERING BUILDING

5. SECURITY CHECKS

6. PEOPLE ENTERING BUILDING

7. COACH / HEADQUARTERS

8. SATELLITE

9. SECURITY BARRIERS / CAR ENTERING

10. TENT OUTSIDE

11. SECURITY OFFICIALS

12. BARRIER

13. SECURITY WALKING IN FRONT OF SIGN

14. EXTERIOR

15. VARIOUS OF SECURITY