In recent days, Turkish media outlets and social media platforms circulated claims that “Azerbaijan will not take part in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is excluded.” These reports, however, are false.
According to APA, during a meeting held on 15–16 September in Dubrovnik, Croatia, only six countries — Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland, and Belgium — issued a statement. They declared that if Israel is allowed to participate, they will withdraw from the contest. Azerbaijan made no such statement.
The decision on Israel’s participation will be taken by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) at its General Assembly in Geneva on 2–4 December. Organizers have also extended the deadline for countries to withdraw without financial penalty until 10 December.
In recent years, Azerbaijan has maintained close ties with Israel, with cooperation spanning military and political spheres. Even as Israel has faced growing international isolation over the war in Gaza, its relations with Baku have remained stable.
The false claims were first circulated by Turkey’s Akit TV and the popular “Baho” social media page.
