Microsoft has cut services to the Israel Defense Ministry due to concerns over Gaza surveillance, amid growing international tensions and calls for Israel's expulsion from Eurovision over its actions in Gaza.
European Broadcasting Union members will vote in November on whether Israel can participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest amid calls for its expulsion due to Israel's actions in Gaza, with some broadcasters threatening to boycott if Israel remains involved.
Eurovision is set to hold a vote among its members in November on whether to exclude Israel from next year's contest due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and political pressures from participating countries, with some nations threatening to withdraw if Israel competes.
The article discusses various issues in Europe, including cultural backlash against Israel over Gaza conflicts affecting Eurovision participation, increased surveillance tech at borders, and legal actions against Big Tech for privacy violations, highlighting ongoing tensions and policy responses in the region.
Vietnam won the 2025 Intervision song contest in Moscow, a socially conservative and geopolitical rival to Eurovision, revived by Putin as Russia's alternative after being excluded from Eurovision due to the Ukraine conflict. The event featured over 20 countries, emphasizing traditional values, with Vietnam's Duc Phuc taking the top prize.
Ireland has announced it will not participate in Eurovision if Israel takes part, citing the ongoing conflict and loss of lives in Gaza, leading to a diplomatic crisis within the event.
Spain has become the fifth country to threaten boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to participate, amid ongoing international condemnation of Israel's military actions in Gaza. The move follows similar threats from other countries and reflects the divisive nature of Israel's participation in the contest, which has sparked protests and controversy.
Several European countries, including Ireland and the Netherlands, have announced they will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, protesting Israel's involvement amid the Gaza conflict. The European Broadcasting Union faces pressure from multiple nations to exclude Israel, which has participated since 1973, due to ongoing human suffering and alleged interference concerns. The decision on Israel's participation remains pending as the EBU gathers feedback from member broadcasters.
The Netherlands threatens to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna if Israel participates, citing concerns over the Gaza conflict and press freedom, joining other countries and organizations calling for Israel's exclusion amid ongoing tensions and protests.
The Netherlands' broadcaster AVROTROS announced it will boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over human suffering in Gaza, press freedom, and political interference, joining other countries like Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland in the controversy surrounding Israel's participation amid ongoing conflicts.
Several European broadcasters, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Slovenia, and Iceland, threaten to boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over the Gaza conflict and human rights issues, risking a significant disruption to the event scheduled for Vienna.
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has accused the Israeli government of interference and using Eurovision as a political tool, leading to potential boycotts by several countries and a decision on Israel's participation in the 2025 contest being pending by the EBU.
Phil Coulter advocates for the UK to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, aligning with Ireland's RTÉ and other broadcasters considering a boycott due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, citing moral and ethical concerns about Israel's participation and the broader geopolitical tensions.
Ireland has threatened to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate, citing concerns over the ongoing conflict and loss of lives in Gaza. Other countries like Spain, Slovenia, and Iceland have expressed similar concerns, and the final decision will depend on the European Broadcasting Union's ruling on Israel's participation.
Will Ferrell is developing a Broadway musical based on the Netflix film 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga,' with Ferrell and Harper Steele writing the book, featuring music by Savan Kotecha and directed by Alex Timbers, though no production timeline has been announced.