The boycotts already announced by four countries over Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest were casting a shadow Friday over the glitzy annual TV extravaganza and its spirit of unity.

Meeting at the European Broadcasting Union's Genevea headquarters, members of the EBU -- the world's biggest public service media alliance -- decided Thursday that no vote was needed on Israel's inclusion in next year's 70th edition, to be held in Vienna.

Public broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia swiftly announced they were boycotting the world's biggest live televised music event.

Others may follow, with Iceland considering its position.

Widespread opposition to the two-year war in Gaza had led to mounting calls for Israel to be excluded.

There were suspic

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