Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 19, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 19, 2025
Breaking with countrymen, Spanish leader pushes to boot Israel from future Eurovisions
The Eurovision song contest should exclude Israel, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says, expressing solidarity with “the people of Palestine who are experiencing the injustice of war and bombardment.”
Russia did not participate in last weekend’s Eurovision after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, “therefore Israel shouldn’t either, because what we cannot allow is double standards in culture,” says Sanchez.
Spaniards may feel differently. The country’s televoters gave Israel the maximum of 12 points during Saturday night’s song contest.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here