Iceland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, the country's public broadcaster, RUV, said on Wednesday, after the European Broadcasting Union last week cleared Israel's participation.

The decision to allow Israel to take part in the next Eurovision, which will be held in Vienna in May, has prompted Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia to withdraw in protest, citing Israel's conduct in its war against Hamas in Gaza. Germany and host nation Austria both support Israel's participation, however.

"It is clear from the public debate in this country and the reaction to the EBU's decision last week that there will be neither joy nor peace regarding RUV's participation," the broadcaster's director general Stefan Eiriksson said in a statement. WATCH | Several countries

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