The Spanish broadcaster announced on Friday that Spain, one of the sponsors of the event, will withdraw if Israel participates in the European Song Contest held next year in Vienna, Austria.

The Spanish broadcaster said the decision was made at its board meeting.

Spanish Minister of Culture Ernest Ultasson said last week that Spain was considering withdrawal from the European Song Contest. Prime Minister Sanchez also said that given Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, Spain could not participate in activities with Israeli participation.

The Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia have expressed the same position as Spain. Iceland also said that if Israel participates in the competition, it will consider withdrawing.

The Israeli public broadcaster said this week that Israel intends to participate in the European Song Contest despite its opposition.

The European Song Contest, held annually by the European Broadcasting Union and held since 1956, is the largest singing competition in Europe, but the participants are not limited to the European region.

Spain has repeatedly criticized Israeli military operations and announced the recognition of the State of Palestine in May 2024 along with Norway and Ireland. In June of the same year, Spain joined the South African government¡¯s ¡°genocide¡± lawsuit against Israel before the International Court of Justice of the United Nations. Spain announced an arms embargo on 8th of this month, while Israel banned Spanish officials from entering the country on the same day.

Source of New York.