Spain’s state television RTVE has called on the European Broadcasting Union to discuss Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Spain’s state television RTVE has requested the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to open a debate on Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in May in Basel, Switzerland. RTVE cited concerns in the public about the ongoing conflicts in Gaza as the reason behind this request.

RTVE President Jose Pablo Lopez emphasized Spain’s commitment to the competition while stating that Israel’s participation through state television KAN was causing unease in society. Lopez expressed the need for EBU to create a platform for discussion among member broadcasters on this issue. In RTVE’s official statement, it was mentioned that “RTVE believes that it would be appropriate for the EBU to accept this debate and create a space for reflection among member broadcasters”. This year’s Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Basel, Switzerland on the 7th, 9th, and 11th of May.