The Israeli broadcaster KAN has confirmed that it is not planning to compete in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
KAN has confirmed to ESC Spot that it is not planning to return to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2026. The Israeli broadcaster did not state why they would not compete in this years contest.
Previously, the Israeli broadcaster explained that they would not take part in Junior Eurovision due to the high costs involved in participating in the competition. In addition, they cite that the competition allows for a limited number of broadcasts.
Israel last competed in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2018 following Nettaโs victory in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026
Junior Eurovision 2025 was won by France, but the French broadcaster has declined to host the competition. As a result, conversations are currently ongoing regarding where the 2026 contest will be held. To date, the following broadcasters have confirmed their intention to compete in the 2026 contest:
๐ฌ๐ช Georgia: GPB
๐ฎ๐ช Ireland: TG4
๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands: AVROTROS
๐ฒ๐ฐ North Macedonia: MRT
๐ต๐ฑ Poland: TVP
๐ต๐น Portugal: RTP
๐ธ๐ฒ San Marino: SMRTV
The following broadcasters, who have previously participated, have declined returning to the contest:
๐ง๐ช Belgium: VRT โ Last competed in 2012
๐ฉ๐ฐ Denmark: DR โ Last participated in 2005
๐ฉ๐ช Germany: KiKA โ Last participated in 2024
๐ณ๐ด Norway: NRK โ Last participated in 2005
๐ธ๐ฎ Slovenia: RTVSLO โ Last participated in 2015
๐ธ๐ช Sweden: SVT โ Last participated in 2014
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณWales: S4C โ Last participated in 2019
๐ฆ๐บ Australia: SBS โ Last participated in 2016
The following broadcasters have ruled out debuting in the contest:
๐ฎ๐ธ Iceland: RรV โ Last broadcast the contest in 2021
๐จ๐ฟ Czechia: ฤT โ Never broadcast the contest
๐ซ๐ฎ Finland: Yle โ Last broadcast the contest in 2003
Israel in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest+
Israel has previously taken part in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest on three occasions. On their debut in 2012, Kids.il came eighth with โLet the Music Winโ. Israel then withdrew from the 2013 contest and did not return until 2016. On their return, the country was represented by Shir & Tim with โFollow My Heartโ. They finished 15th in Malta. Israel last participated in 2018 where they finished 14th.