Austria and Israel want to participate in Eurovision, some countries threaten boycott

Austrian public broadcaster ORF, the organiser of next year's Eurovision Song Contest, supports Israel's participation in the contest despite calls from several countries for its exclusion because of the war in the Gaza Strip. National broadcasters from the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland and Spain have announced a possible boycott of the 70th edition of the contest if Israel remains among the participants.

However, ORF Director General Roland Weissmann called for diplomacy and expressed optimism that a record number of participants would be achieved. The issue will be discussed at the annual meeting of the European Broadcasting Union, which organises Eurovision every year.

Austria and Germany are among the countries that are most supportive of Israel, believing that the recent ceasefire will help ease tensions.

Organisers have also hinted at the return of broadcasters from Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova who had previously opted out due to high costs. Canada is also being considered for participation, which would be the first nation from the American continent in the history of the contest.

Weissmann said all are welcome and ORF wants to host the biggest Eurovision in recent years.

(reuters, max)