Austrian Eurovision winner JJ urges ban on Israel in 2026 contest over Gaza genocide

Austrian singer JJ, who recently won the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, has called for Israel to be excluded from the 2026 edition due to its ongoing genocide in Gaza. 

In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais, JJ voiced strong criticism of Israel’s participation amid its war on Gaza. “It is very disappointing to see Israel still participating in the contest,” he said.

“I would like the next Eurovision to be held in Vienna, without Israel.”

JJ’s remarks sparked backlash, particularly from Oskar Deutsch, president of the Jewish Religious Community in Austria, who accused the singer of promoting “an anti-Israel narrative.”

Following the criticism, JJ issued a clarification, stating that his comments were not intended to incite hatred against any nation or religion.

“Although I am critical of the Israeli government, I condemn all forms of violence against civilians — whether Israeli or Palestinian,” JJ said. “I will not comment further on this issue.”

Eurovision, which brands itself as a non-political music competition, has found itself embroiled in controversy amid the inlcusion of Israeli singers.

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Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Israel launched a large-scale offensive in Gaza that has so far claimed more than 53,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza health officials.

Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the Hamas attack, secured second place in the 2025 contest.

Over the past 70 days, more than 70 former Eurovision participants have signed open letters to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), urging Israel’s exclusion and accusing the country of committing war crimes in Gaza.

Despite mounting criticism, the EBU has defended Israel’s inclusion, reiterating that Eurovision is a non-political event and that all member broadcasters have the right to participate.

The 2026 contest is expected to be held in Vienna, Austria. As artists like JJ continue to speak out, all eyes are on the EBU’s final decision regarding Israel’s eligibility.