New Eurovision rule change could prevent Israel from hosting in the future

Eurovision Song Contest organisers announced rule changes on Wednesday excluding any country in an armed conflict from hosting the competition and increasing the minimum age of competitors.

Five countries staged an unprecedented boycott of the 2026 contest rather than compete alongside Israel.

The major rule change has been confirmed ahead of next year’s competition

Eurovision is traditionally hosted by the previous year’s winning broadcaster, with the next show due to take place in Bulgaria in 2027 after singer Dara’s victory for the country in May.