The chancellor of Germany has said he would support the country boycotting next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is banned from competing.

After controversy has blighted Eurovision for the last few years due to Israel’s continued participation despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a vote is due to take place among competing national broadcasters in December , to determine whether Israel is permitted to return.

Several countries have now said they will pull out of Eurovision unless Israel is banned, but during a new interview, chancellor Friedrich Merz made it clear he supports the opposite view.

Asked by German broadcaster ARD if he’d back calls to boycott Eurovision in the event that Israel is not allowed to return, Merz responded : “I would support this. I think i

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