German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he would back a boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is excluded, describing the debate as a "scandal" that erodes the event's apolitical nature, as broadcasters prepare for a November vote on the issue.

In an ARD interview, Merz affirmed Germany's potential withdrawal among the "Big Five" financial backers—France, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Germany—stating Israel "has a place there."

The position aligns with threats from the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia to pull out if Israel's KAN broadcaster is ousted, while Spain has already pledged to boycott.

France and Australia confirmed participation, and Denmark outlined conditions for entry.

The European Broadcasting Union's extraordinary online General Assembly in early November will allow all members to vote exclusively on Israel's inclusion, driven by "unprecedented diversity of views" regarding its actions in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

KAN expressed hope the contest upholds its "cultural and apolitical character," cautioning that exclusion could have "wide-ranging implications."

Protests disrupted the 2024 Malmö and 2025 Basel editions, with over 70 former contestants signing a ban petition and 2024 winner JJ echoing the call.

The EBU expelled Russia after its Ukraine invasion, but Israel has competed amid ICJ findings of plausible genocide and famine warnings in Gaza.

Merz's comments, from the 1982 host nation, underscore the geopolitical tensions infiltrating Eurovision, potentially jeopardizing the 70th edition's funding and audience in Vienna.