Eurovision: After the controversy regarding Israel's participation in the contest, Italian television requests the presence of a Palestinian artist
The Palestinian flag, in public, at Eurovision. Photo: Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP / Profimedia
The tensions caused by Israel's participation in the Eurovision 2026 contest continue to escalate, and following the calls of the Italian trade unions to boycott the event, the Italian public television RAI has officially requested that a Palestinian artist be present on stage at this year's edition in Vienna.
According to a letter published by Corriere della Sera, three members of the board of directors of the Italian radio and television station RAI wrote to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Austrian public broadcaster ORF, requesting the presence “hors concours” (outside the contest) of a Palestinian artist on the Eurovision stage, reports Euronews and Rador Radio Romania.
The request by the three was described as a way to balance the public discourse on the controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the European music competition.
“If we do not want to undermine the values of inclusion and brotherhood that the music embodies, Palestine must be welcomed on the Eurovision stage,” the RAI directors' letter reads.
The fifth country to boycott Eurovision in protest against the acceptance of Israel's participation
The letter does not call for Israel's disqualification and emphasizes that the proposal is a cultural initiative and a sign of civic responsibility and dialogue, not a political statement.
“The possibility of hosting a Palestinian artist outside the competition has been raised by RAI,” said general director Giampaolo Rossi, who remains “absolutely in favor of Israel's participation,” as does Italy, which fully confirms its participation.
EBU and ORF have not yet responded to the directors' request, which was approved by RAI.
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