German Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues to express his support for Israel\u2019s participation in Eurovision 2026. In a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Merz stated that he cannot imagine Germany taking part in the contest if Israel is banned.<\/p>\n
After his clear statement on German television on the evening of Sunday, October 5, Merz revisited the issue, emphasizing not only Germany\u2019s firm support for Israel, but also his belief that Germany should withdraw from Eurovision should Israel be excluded.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will do what I can to prevent steps against Israel. As I said on German television, I cannot imagine Germany participating in Eurovision if the Israeli delegation is expelled. That is absolutely clear to me,\u201d
said the German Chancellor.<\/p>\n
This statement comes as discussions continue within the EBU about Israel\u2019s participation in the upcoming Eurovision 2026. Merz\u2019s comments are seen as a strong message of solidarity with Israel and a warning to European countries calling for its exclusion.<\/p>\n
Diplomatic background<\/p>\n
The German Chancellor also expressed his condolences to President Herzog ahead of the second anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, when around 1,200 people were killed and approximately 250 taken hostage in southern Israel.<\/p>\n
A day earlier, Merz had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterating Germany\u2019s support for the U.S. peace plan and calling for the release of the remaining hostages.<\/p>\n
At the same time, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was visiting Israel, while German and Israeli security services conducted a joint operation in Berlin to arrest members of a Hamas-linked terrorist cell.<\/p>\n
Merz\u2019s statement clearly places Germany alongside Israel, sending a message that if the EBU were to ban Israel, Germany would likely withdraw from the competition as well. It is arguably the strongest political declaration in support of Israel\u2019s participation in Eurovision ever made by a European government \u2014 suggesting that the contest may face a major dilemma ahead of Eurovision 2026.<\/p>\n
Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!<\/p>\n