Spain has become the first of the Big Five countries to announce it will leave Eurovision 2026 if Israel remains in the competition.
RTVE’s decision
According to RTVE, the broadcaster’s Board of Directors voted this morning (16 September) to withdraw Spain from next year’s Contest in Vienna should Israel be allowed to participate. The proposal was put forward by RTVE president José Pablo López and passed with an absolute majority: ten votes in favor, four against, and one abstention.
This makes Spain the fifth country to issue such an ultimatum, joining Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands.
España se retirará de Eurovisión si Israel continúa en el certamen
— José Pablo López (@Josepablo_ls) September 16, 2025
La medida se ha tomado a propuesta del presidente de RTVE, por mayoría absoluta del órgano de administración de la Corporación, con 10 votos a favor, 4 en contra y una abstenciónhttps://t.co/z1EHLNAOfP a… pic.twitter.com/ayR8JsaLgT
RTVE’s official statement
RTVE shared the following message on social media after the decision:
“Spain will withdraw from Eurovision if Israel remains in the contest.
The Corporation’s Board of Directors made this decision on Tuesday by an absolute majority of its members.”
Benidorm Fest to continue
RTVE confirmed that the decision does not affect the Benidorm Fest, which will go ahead as planned in 2026. The festival, now entering its fifth edition, has developed “its own identity” and will continue regardless of Spain’s Eurovision participation.
Pressure on the EBU
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will decide in early December whether to exclude Israel, following the precedent set in 2022 when Russia was banned after its invasion of Ukraine. Spain’s move adds further pressure ahead of the Geneva meeting.
Meanwhile, Kan’s Director General Golan Yochpaz rejected calls to step back, insisting:
“There is no reason for Israel not to remain an important part of this cultural event, which cannot become political.”
If Israel stays in the competition, RTVE would have to follow through on its decision and withdraw for the first time in history.
Political backing in Spain
The Spanish government has expressed support for RTVE’s decision. Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun stated:
“We must ensure Israel does not participate in Eurovision. If we fail to achieve that, Spain should not take part.”
Digital Transformation Minister Óscar López echoed these views, while Sumar launched a petition demanding Israel’s exclusion, gathering 30,000 signatures in under 24 hours.
The EBU has extended the deadline for broadcasters to confirm participation until mid-December. If Spain ultimately withdraws, it would mark the first time one of Eurovision’s Big Five contributors has stepped back from the Contest.
Spain’s Eurovision journey
Spain debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 with Conchita Bautista’s “Estando Contigo”. The country earned its first win in 1968 with Massiel’s “La La La”, and won again in 1969 with Salome’s “Vivo Cantando” in an infamous four-way tie. Although they have yet to win again, Spain earned several 2nd place finishes, most famously with Mocedades’ “Eres tu” in 1973 and Anabel Conde’s “Vuelve conmigo” in 1996.
In 2025, Spain selected Melody. As part of the Big 5, she did not need to qualify for the Grand Final from the semi-finals. At the close of voting, her song “Esa Diva” finished 24th, with a total of 37 points. Of these, 27 points came from the jury, whilst 10 came from the televote.
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News Source: RTVE
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
Euan T