Iceland has joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in saying it will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. All five countries have withdrawn after Israel's participation in the competition was officially confirmed last week. Stefan Eiriksson, director-general of Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, said: There is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now. On that basis, first and foremost, we are stepping back while the situation is as it is. RÚV stated Israel's involvement has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public. The board made its decision hours before the deadline for countries to confirm participation in the upcoming contest, reflecting ongoing tension surrounding Israel’s presence. Eurovision's director, Martin Green, acknowledged the boycotts while maintaining hope that these nations would return in the future. The controversy surrounding Israel’s participation stems from the war in Gaza, sparking additional scrutiny of the voting processes and perceived influences. While some countries, like Poland, plan to participate, Iceland's decision showcases the profound impact of geopolitical issues on cultural events.