Spanish PM Demands Israel Ban from Eurovision Following Gaza Conflict

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel to be banned from the Eurovision Song Contest in light of its military actions in Gaza, arguing against perceived double standards since Russia’s exclusion following its invasion of Ukraine. His remarks follow Israel's recent performance at the contest, where it secured significant support from Spanish viewers.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has stirred controversy by calling for Israel's ban from the Eurovision Song Contest, citing the ongoing military action in Gaza. At a news conference in Madrid, Sánchez emphasized the importance of consistency in international cultural participation, pointing out that Russia has been barred from the contest since 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine.

During the recent Eurovision grand final in Switzerland, Israel's entry, performed by Yuval Raphael, secured second place while topping the public vote—garnering maximum points from Spanish viewers. In response, Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli mocked Sánchez, asserting that the vote was a "slap in the face" for him, leading to a notable exchange of social media posts.

Sánchez highlighted the need for European countries to uphold international law and human rights, voicing solidarity with Palestinians affected by the current conflict. He reiterated his government’s longstanding criticism of Israel, having officially recognized a Palestinian state last year and previously labeling Israel as a "genocidal state." This prompt denunciation led to Israel summoning the Spanish ambassador for an official reprimand.

In the backdrop of the contest, the Spanish broadcast network RTVE aired a message supporting Palestinians, despite warnings from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), who urged neutrality on political issues. Meanwhile, Spain's song "Esa Diva" by Melody secured a disappointing 24th place in the contest, contrasting sharply with Israel's performance.

As public and governmental divisions grow over the Israel-Palestine conflict, Sánchez’s statements have reignited discussions on artistic expression and geopolitical implications in cultural forums like Eurovision.