Will Eurovision pull out of Jerusalem for fears of boycotts?

Israel has officially been named the host of Eurovision 2019 – but the song competition’s organiser, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) might withdraw that if Israel opts to have it in Jerusalem.

Israel won the right after little known singer Netta Barzilai won the final on May 12 with the feminist-themed Toy which has almost 100 million views on YouTube.

It’s long been an international contentious point if Israel has any claim to Jerusalem – it was won through wars going back 70 years – much less a capital city.

The EBU has warned against “politicising” the issue and has made it clear that they are not happy with the decision, releasing a statement insisting that “…every host broadcaster takes all necessary steps to safeguard the non-political character of the event.”

EBU’s statement went on to confirm that the official announcement of the host city will be released by September 2018.

In 1999, when Israel hosted Eurovision, the contest was held in Jerusalem without incident.

But in 2018, the announcement that the United States recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city and is moving its consulate there caused international controversy.

Guatemala and Paraguay have also recognised the city as the national capital, moving their diplomats there.

In early June, Argentina scrapped a highly anticipated soccer match in Israel when the government suddenly moved it to Jerusalem.

Rumblings of boycotts have already started popping up worldwide with an Icelandic petition calling for broadcaster RUV to pull out of the contest garnered 25,000 signatures.

Dublin Lord Mayor Mícheál MacDonncha has urged their national broadcaster RTE to stay at home commenting, “I would support [a boycott]…I don’t think we should send a representative.”

There have also been words within the left-leaning political parties of Sweden and the UK about boycotting the event.