Austrian Eurovision winner says Israel should be barred from 2026 contest

Austria’s Eurovision champion JJ has called for Israel to be banned from the 2026 contest in Vienna, citing its war on Gaza, widely described by rights groups and legal scholars as a genocide.

JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, told El Pais on Thursday it was “very disappointing” to see Israel still included, adding: “I would like the next Eurovision to be held in Vienna and without Israel.”

The 2025 contest, despite Eurovision’s claims of neutrality, was steeped in controversy because Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, including at least 16,500 children.

Speaking to international media just days after his victory in Basel with the song Wasted Love, JJ joined a growing chorus demanding accountability from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

“There should be greater transparency regarding the televoting. This year, everything was very strange about it,” he told El Pais.

New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch

Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters

His remarks come amid mounting scrutiny from fans, national broadcasters and artists alike.

Spain has formally requested an audit into possible voting irregularities, while Belgium’s VRT has warned of a potential withdrawal unless organisers explain Israel’s unexpected popularity amongst viewers.

Despite the disproportionate amount of votes for Israel from viewers, as opposed to judges, many national broadcasters in countries allied to Israel did not cast doubt on the state's performance.

'The organisers need to listen'

JJ’s remarks echo last year’s backlash, when Israel performed well in the public voted despite pressure from civil society and fans to exclude it over the war in Gaza. 

Israel’s continued presence at Eurovision has sparked widespread anger, with many accusing the EBU of selectively ignoring human rights concerns with regard to Palestinians while banning Russia from the competition following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

JJ, who is of Austrian-Filipino descent and grew up in Dubai, said Eurovision needs change, pointing to a growing lack of trust in the voting system.

“The artists are speaking out. Now the organisers need to listen.”

JJ’s remarks echoed recent calls by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to bar Israel from international cultural events.

Speaking at a conference in Madrid on Monday, Sanchez warned against double standards, citing Russia’s exclusion from cultural events following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“No one was shocked when Russia was asked to withdraw after invading Ukraine,” he said.

“So why should Israel be treated differently?”

A long-standing critic of Israel’s abuses in the occupied Palestinian territories, Sanchez accused cultural institutions of remaining "bland, silent, equidistant" in the face of grave injustices. 

middleeasteye.net