Iceland has become the fifth country to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in protest over Israel’s participation.

Axar.az, citing Times of Israel, reports that the decision follows similar pullouts by Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands, after the European Broadcasting Union allowed Israel to remain in the competition following a vote on reforms.

Iceland’s public broadcaster RUV said Israel’s inclusion has “caused disunity” among the Icelandic public and within the EBU, adding that the reforms do not go far enough. Israel’s embassy expressed disappointment, saying the move goes against Eurovision’s spirit.

Iceland has long been critical of Israel’s presence in Eurovision and previously protested during its 2019 performance. Despite its popularity in Iceland — where more than 95% of viewers tune in each year — the country will not participate in 2026. If no other changes occur, 35 nations are expected to compete in next year’s contest in Vienna.