Public broadcasters from at least four countries withdrew from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest on Thursday after organizers decided to allow Israel to compete.

The exits by Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia followed a meeting of the European Broadcasting Union, which heard objections from members who say Israel should not take part due to its conduct of the war in Gaza.

Members approved tougher voting rules amid allegations Israel manipulated past votes, but declined to bar any broadcaster.

“This is certainly one of the most serious crises the organization has ever faced,” said Eurovision expert Dean Vuletic who is anticipating next year’s event to be “the biggest political boycott of Eurovision ever.”

Vuletic said opposition centered on the Gaza war and concerns over media restrictions, as well as criticism of Israeli entries alluding to political issues.

Spain and Slovenia had been the most vocal and have now been joined by Ireland and the Netherlands in confirming their withdrawal.

With public opinion in several countries favoring broader boycotts, Vuletic warned that “the days and weeks to come are certainly going to be tense."

"It's the 70th anniversary," he said. "It was meant to be a big celebration, a big party, but it's going to be shrouded in political controversy yet again."