Spain moves to ban Israel from Eurovision contest

Spain is at the center of a growing controversy after calling for Israel's exclusion from the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest.

The Spanish Broadcasting Corporation (RTVE) has responded to a petition initiated by a group of left-wing lawmakers, urging the European Broadcasting Corporation (EBU) to block Israel’s participation in the prestigious event.

The petition, led by Francisco Sierra, claims that Israel is using the Eurovision platform for political propaganda, specifically to promote its military actions in Gaza.

According to the petitioners, Israel’s broadcaster, Kan, has been involved in celebrating the Israeli army's operations, which they argue constitutes an endorsement of “ethnic cleansing” in the region. Sierra argued that such actions violate the EBU’s convention, which prohibits political content during the contest.

The Spanish lawmakers’ accusations have sparked intense debate both within Spain and across Europe. Sierra’s statements in the Spanish parliament last night further fueled the controversy, claiming that Israel is attempting to use the contest to legitimize its actions in Gaza and promote a narrative surrounding the October 7th attack as part of a “survival contest.”

RTVE’s head, Jose Pablo López, has indicated that he will forward the petition to his counterparts at the EBU for consideration. The situation has put Spain’s state-run broadcaster in the spotlight, forcing it to navigate a delicate balance between international politics and the inclusive, non-political spirit that Eurovision traditionally represents.