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Belgrade Protest Presses Serbian Broadcaster to Boycott Eurovision Over Israel

The challenge to RTS shows how Israel’s entry is turning a song contest into a test for public broadcasters.

People attend a rally against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in front of the state-run TV headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People attend a rally against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in front of the state-run TV headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People attend a rally against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in front of the state-run TV headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Overview

  • Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside RTS headquarters in Belgrade to urge Serbia to quit Eurovision or drop the broadcast because Israel is in the lineup.
  • Protesters waved Palestinian flags, accused Israel of atrocities in Gaza, and called on viewers to avoid the show.
  • RTS has not issued a response, and Serbia remains slated to compete with Lavina, a six-member metal band.
  • The European Broadcasting Union allowed Israel to compete in December, which led Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain to withdraw.
  • After those exits, Ireland, Spain and Slovenia said they will not air the show, while Dutch and Icelandic channels still plan to carry it, as Vienna hosts the contest May 12–16 with 35 participating countries.