Eurovision organisers: We've not told Israel to withdraw from next year's contest

The organisers of Eurovision have denied reports in the Israeli media that they suggested the country could compete at the song contest under a neutral flag or withdraw from next year's song competition. 

Israeli outlet Ynet reported on Sunday that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the event, had sent an "unofficial" message to Israeli broadcaster Kan, suggesting they either withdraw from the 2026 contest or use a neutral flag to avoid a "humiliating elimination".

Ynet reported that the flag could bear the logo of Kan, which represents Israel at the EBU, to downplay the country's involvement.

However, the EBU told Middle East Eye in a statement that the Ynet story was "false" and that the broadcaster had made no such suggestion, either officially or unofficially, to Kan.

“The EBU has not made any proposals to Kan regarding participation in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. A consultation with the wider EBU membership is ongoing and no decisions will be made until the process concludes," it said.

The broadcaster added that it would contact Ynet and ask it to correct the story.

This comes as the EBU grapples with how several countries, including the Netherlands, Spain and Ireland, have said they will not compete if Israel participates.

Eurovision organisers: We've not told Israel to withdraw from next year's contest