According to Israeli media, discussions have been held regarding moving Israel from competing in the Eurovision Song Contest to the Eurovision Song Contest Asia.
Ynet states that, according to two sources, proposals and discussions have been held regarding moving Israel to the Eurovision Song Contest Asia. However, no decision has yet been made on the matter, and opposition has reportedly been received from some of the broadcasters signed up to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest Asia.
Eurovoix requested a comment from the European Broadcasting Union, which stated:
“The current list of participating broadcasters and countries in Eurovision Song Contest Asia can be found here https://eurovisionasia.com/
Discussions are ongoing with other broadcasters on joining the inaugural event in November.
No broadcaster that takes part in the Eurovision Song Contest will be taking part in Eurovision Song Contest Asia.
The event, like the Eurovision Song Contest, will be inclusive and celebrate being United by Music. Decisions on participation are taken by the organisers.”
While the statement does not directly comment on discussions regarding Israel competing in the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, it does outline a rule that was previously unknown. The confirmation of a rule that broadcasters competing in the Eurovision Song Contest cannot compete in the Eurovision Song Contest Asia means that if countries geographically in Asia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Israel, wish to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, their public broadcaster cannot compete.
Eurovision Asia Song Contest 2026
The first Eurovision Asia Song Contest will be held on November 14 in Bangkok, Thailand. Like the Eurovision Song Contest, each country’s participation is organised by a participating broadcaster. Each participating broadcaster is expected to select its entry through holding a national final in their country. The format of the national selections will be revealed in the coming months, with some countries opting to hold multi-week selections.
The rules of the contest will match those of the Eurovision Song Contest, meaning that a song must not exceed 3 minutes in length and no more than 6 people can be on stage. The winner will be determined by 50% televoting and 50% jury voting.
The countries and broadcasters confirmed to date as taking to the stage in Bangkok are:
🇧🇩 Bangladesh – NTV
🇧🇹 Bhutan – Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS)
🇰🇭 Cambodia – TV5 Cambodia
🇱🇦 Laos – Vientiane Capital Television (VTE9)
🇲🇾 Malaysia – Media Prima (TV3)
🇳🇵 Nepal – Himalaya TV
🇵🇭 Philippines – ABS-CBN
🇰🇷 South Korea – ENA (SK Telecom / KT Group)
🇹🇭 Thailand – Channel 3
🇻🇳 Vietnam – Vietnam Television (VTV 3
Source: Ynet / EBU