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PRAGUE, Dec 4 (Reuters) – Painter and costume designer Theodor Pistek, who won an Oscar in 1985 for his work on fellow Czech Milos Forman's film "Amadeus", has died at the age of 93, CTK news agency reported on Thursday, citing his family. Pistek was born into an artistic Prague family to parents who were well-known actors. He focused on painting and film after graduating in 1958 from the Academy of Fine Arts, but was also a car racer in international competitions. As a surprise to him, he won Best Costume Design at the 57th Academy Awards for Amadeus, which won eight awards in total, including Best Director for Forman. Pistek also collaborated with his compatriot Forman on films "Valmont" (1989), for which he won the French Cesar Award, and "The People vs. Larry Flynt" (1996). Painting remained his "life's calling", as Pistek told Czech Radio years after winning the Oscar, and he was considered a master in photorealism. Following the end of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia in 1989, Pistek was picked to design new uniforms for the Prague Castle Guard. In 2000, then Czech President Vaclav Havel awarded Pistek the state Medal of Merit. (Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Sharon Singleton)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

PRAGUE, Dec 4 (Reuters) – Painter and costume designer Theodor Pistek, who won an Oscar in 1985 for his work on fellow Czech Milos Forman's film "Amadeus", has died at the age of 93, CTK news agency reported on Thursday, citing his family. Pistek was born into an artistic Prague family to parents who were well-known actors. He focused on painting and film after graduating in 1958 from the Academy of Fine Arts, but was also a car racer in international competitions. As a surprise to him, he won Best Costume Design at the 57th Academy Awards for Amadeus, which won eight awards in total, including Best Director for Forman. Pistek also collaborated with his compatriot Forman on films "Valmont" (1989), for which he won the French Cesar Award, and "The People vs. Larry Flynt" (1996). Painting remained his "life's calling", as Pistek told Czech Radio years after winning the Oscar, and he was considered a master in photorealism. Following the end of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia in 1989, Pistek was picked to design new uniforms for the Prague Castle Guard. In 2000, then Czech President Vaclav Havel awarded Pistek the state Medal of Merit. (Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Sharon Singleton)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Dec 4 (Reuters) – National broadcasters behind the Eurovision Song Contest meet on Thursday to discuss whether Israel should be barred from taking part next year, after threats by some to pull out over the Gaza war. The issue has sharply divided participants in the competition which draws millions of viewers worldwide and has a history of entanglement in national rivalries, international issues and political voting. Spanish and other national broadcasters have threatened to boycott the event if Israel is included, citing the death count in Gaza and accusing it of flouting rules meant to guard the contest's official neutrality. Germany, a major Eurovision backer, has said it will not take part if Israel is barred. Israel, which came second in the contest this year, has not responded to the accusations, but has argued it faces a global smear campaign. MORE VIEWERS THAN SUPER BOWL The meeting will discuss new rules intended to discourage governments and third parties from overly promoting songs to sway voters, following allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant this year. If members cannot agree on those rules, they may hold a vote on Israel's participation, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the contest, said. Israel's 2025 entrant, Yuval Raphael, was at the Nova music festival, one of the targets of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel that triggered the Gaza war. A total of 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage in the assaults, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's ensuing offensive has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, health officials in the enclave say. Israeli public broadcaster KAN has said it is preparing for next year's contest and will soon announce changes to its entry selection process. It has added it will present its position on possible disqualification at the meeting, which is not open to the public. The Eurovision Song Contest dates back to 1956 and reaches around 160 million viewers, according to the EBU – more than the almost 128 million recorded for this year's U.S. Super Bowl, according to figures from Nielsen. Participation is based on membership of the EBU and is not limited to Europe. GERMANY SAYS ISRAEL BELONGS IN CONTEST Public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands have all threatened to boycott the May 2026 contest, which will be hosted by Austria. The head of Spanish broadcaster RTVE, Jose Pablo Lopez, posted on X that the management of the EBU and Eurovision was subjecting his organisation to the "greatest internal tension in its history". The EBU did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. As he arrived at the meeting at the EBU headquarters, the president of Portugal's RTP national broadcaster, Nicolau Santos, told Reuters his organisation supported the new rules, without commenting on Israel's participation. Finnish broadcaster Yle said it would only take part in the next contest if the proposed rules were implemented and if there were additional safety guarantees for participants and the audience. "Eurovision's original purpose has been to create a space where we can meet despite differences and disagreement," Yle's CEO, Marit af Björkesten, said in a statement. Germany's Minister of State for Culture, Wolfram Weimer, told Reuters that Berlin should not participate if Israel was excluded. "Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest," he said. A spokesperson for German broadcaster ARD said it was hoping for "constructive discussions". Under the proposed new rules, an expanded professional jury would be reintroduced at the semi-final stage and have about 50% of the vote. The other half would remain a public vote. Audience members would have a maximum of 10 rather than 20 votes to cast and be encouraged to support multiple entries, the EBU said. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Emma Pinedo Gonzalez in Madrid, Klaus Lauer in Berlin, Gerhard Mey and Marie-Louise Gumuchian in London; Additional reporting by John Cotton and Cecile Mantovani in Geneva and Elviira Luoma in Gdansk; Editing by Toby Chopra, Alexandra Hudson and Andrew Heavens)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Dec 4 (Reuters) – National broadcasters behind the Eurovision Song Contest meet on Thursday to discuss whether Israel should be barred from participating next year, amid threats by some to pull out over the Gaza war. The meeting in Geneva marks a watershed moment for the competition which draws millions of viewers worldwide. The Spanish and others national broadcasters have threatened to boycott the event if Israel is included, citing the death count in Gaza, and accused it of not following rules meant to guard the contest's neutrality. Germany, a major Eurovosion backer, has said it will not take part if Israel is barred. Israel, which came second in the contest this year, has not responded to the accusations, but has argued it faces a global smear campaign. CONTEST ATTRACTS MORE VIEWERS THAN SUPER BOWL The meeting will discuss new rules intended to discourage governments from overly promoting songs to sway voters, following allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant this year. If members cannot agree on those, they may hold a vote on Israel's participation, the European Broadcasting Union, which organises the contest, said. Israel's 2025 entrant, Yuval Raphael, was at the Nova music festival, one of the targets of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war. A total 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage in the assault by Palestinian militant group Hamas, according to Israeli tallies. More than 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the ensuing conflict, according to health authorities in the enclave. Israeli public broadcaster KAN said it is preparing for next year's contest and will soon release changes to its entry selection process. KAN added it will present its position on possible disqualification at the meeting. Public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands are threatening to boycott the May 2026 event, to be hosted by Austria, if Israel competes. The Eurovision Song Contest, which dates back to 1956, reaches around 160 million viewers, according to the EBU. By contrast the U.S. Super Bowl this year drew almost 128 million, according to Nielsen, which measures global media audiences. If members are not convinced that the new rules, which aim to protect the contest's neutrality and impartiality, are adequate, there will be a vote on participation, the EBU said. As he arrived at the meeting at the EBU headquarters, the president of Portugal's RTP national broadcaster, Nicolau Santos, told Reuters his organisation supported the new rules, without commenting on Israel's participation. Finnish broadcaster Yle said it would only take part in the next contest if the proposed rules were implemented and if there were additional safety guarantees for participants and the audience. "Eurovision's original purpose has been to create a space where we can meet despite differences and disagreement," Yle's CEO, Marit af Björkesten, said in a statement, adding that the contest must not be used for political influence. GERMAN MINISTER BACKS ISRAEL'S PARTICIPATION German Minister of State for Culture, Wolfram Weimer, told Reuters that Berlin should not participate if Israel was excluded. "Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest," he said. "There must be no ESC without Israel." A spokesperson for German broadcaster ARD said: "We hope for constructive discussions and solutions within the EBU that are consistent with the values of the EBU and the ESC." Austrian host broadcaster ORF wants Israel to compete. Under the new EBU rules, an expanded professional jury will be reintroduced at the semi-final stage and will have about 50% of the vote. The other half will remain a public vote. Audience members will now have a maximum of 10 rather than 20 votes to cast and are encouraged to support multiple entries, the EBU stated. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Emma Pinedo Gonzalez in Madrid, Klaus Lauer in Berlin, Gerhard Mey and Marie-Louise Gumuchian in London; Additional reporting, John Cotton and Cecile Mantovani in Geneva and Elviira Luoma in Gdansk; Editing by Toby Chopra, Alexandra Hudson and Andrew Heavens)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Dec 4 (Reuters) – National broadcasters behind the Eurovision Song Contest meet on Thursday to discuss whether Israel should be barred from participating next year, amid threats by some to pull out over the Gaza war. The meeting in Geneva marks a watershed moment for the competition which draws millions of viewers worldwide. The Spanish and others national broadcasters have threatened to boycott the event if Israel is included, citing the death count in Gaza, and accused it of not following rules meant to guard the contest's neutrality. Germany, a major Eurovosion backer, has said it will not take part if Israel is barred. Israel, which came second in the contest this year, has not responded to the accusations, but has argued it faces a global smear campaign. CONTEST ATTRACTS MORE VIEWERS THAN SUPER BOWL The meeting will discuss new rules intended to discourage governments from overly promoting songs to sway voters, following allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant this year. If members cannot agree on those, they may hold a vote on Israel's participation, the European Broadcasting Union, which organises the contest, said. Israel's 2025 entrant, Yuval Raphael, was at the Nova music festival, one of the targets of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war. A total 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage in the assault by Palestinian militant group Hamas, according to Israeli tallies. More than 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the ensuing conflict, according to health authorities in the enclave. Israeli public broadcaster KAN said it is preparing for next year's contest and will soon release changes to its entry selection process. KAN added it will present its position on possible disqualification at the meeting. Public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands are threatening to boycott the May 2026 event, to be hosted by Austria, if Israel competes. The Eurovision Song Contest, which dates back to 1956, reaches around 160 million viewers, according to the EBU. By contrast the U.S. Super Bowl this year drew almost 128 million, according to Nielsen, which measures global media audiences. If members are not convinced that the new rules, which aim to protect the contest's neutrality and impartiality, are adequate, there will be a vote on participation, the EBU said. As he arrived at the meeting at the EBU headquarters, the president of Portugal's RTP national broadcaster, Nicolau Santos, told Reuters his organisation supported the new rules, without commenting on Israel's participation. Finnish broadcaster Yle said it would only take part in the next contest if the proposed rules were implemented and if there were additional safety guarantees for participants and the audience. "Eurovision's original purpose has been to create a space where we can meet despite differences and disagreement," Yle's CEO, Marit af Björkesten, said in a statement, adding that the contest must not be used for political influence. GERMAN MINISTER BACKS ISRAEL'S PARTICIPATION German Minister of State for Culture, Wolfram Weimer, told Reuters that Berlin should not participate if Israel was excluded. "Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest," he said. "There must be no ESC without Israel." A spokesperson for German broadcaster ARD said: "We hope for constructive discussions and solutions within the EBU that are consistent with the values of the EBU and the ESC." Austrian host broadcaster ORF wants Israel to compete. Under the new EBU rules, an expanded professional jury will be reintroduced at the semi-final stage and will have about 50% of the vote. The other half will remain a public vote. Audience members will now have a maximum of 10 rather than 20 votes to cast and are encouraged to support multiple entries, the EBU stated. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Emma Pinedo Gonzalez in Madrid, Klaus Lauer in Berlin, Gerhard Mey and Marie-Louise Gumuchian in London; Additional reporting, John Cotton and Cecile Mantovani in Geneva and Elviira Luoma in Gdansk; Editing by Toby Chopra, Alexandra Hudson and Andrew Heavens)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Dec 4 (Reuters) – The national broadcasters behind the Eurovision Song Contest, which draws millions of viewers worldwide, meet on Thursday to discuss whether Israel can compete next year, amid threats by some countries to pull out if it is not excluded over the Gaza war. The meeting at the European Broadcasting Union headquarters in Geneva will address new rules intended to discourage governments and third parties from overly promoting songs to sway voters, following allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant this year. If members cannot agree, they may hold a vote on Israel's participation. Some countries, including Spain's broadcaster, have accused Israel of not following the rules for the contest, which stresses its political neutrality, and of using it politically. They added its continued participation would be untenable in light of the war in Gaza. Israel, which came second this year, has not responded to these accusations, but frequently argues it has faced a global smear campaign. Critics of Israel's participation cite concerns over the Palestinian death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 70,000, according to Gaza health authorities. The war was sparked by the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's 2025 contest entrant, Raphael, was at the Nova music festival during the Hamas attack. EUROVISION ATTRACTS MORE VIEWERS THAN THE SUPER BOWL The Eurovision Song Contest, which dates back to 1956, reaches around 160 million viewers, according to the EBU. By contrast the U.S. Super Bowl this year drew almost 128 million, according to Nielsen, which measures global media audiences. The contest faces a "watershed moment", said Eurovision expert Paul Jordan. Public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands are threatening to boycott the May 2026 event, to be hosted by Austria, if Israel is allowed to compete. If members are not convinced that the new rules, which aim to protect the contest's neutrality and impartiality, are adequate, there will be a vote on participation, the EBU said. GERMAN MINISTER BACKS ISRAEL'S PARTICIPATION Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer told Reuters that Germany should not participate in Eurovision if Israel is excluded. "Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC)," he said. "There must be no ESC without Israel." A spokesperson for German broadcaster ARD said: "We hope for constructive discussions and solutions within the EBU that are consistent with the values of the EBU and the ESC." Austrian host broadcaster ORF wants Israel to compete. Israeli public broadcaster KAN said it is preparing for next year's contest and will soon release changes to its entry selection process. KAN added it will present its position on possible disqualification at the meeting. Under the new EBU rules, an expanded professional jury will be reintroduced at the semi-final stage and will have about 50% of the vote. The other half will remain a public vote. Audience members will now have a maximum of 10 rather than 20 votes to cast. "Fans will be actively encouraged to share their support across multiple entries," the EBU stated. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Emma Pinedo Gonzalez in Madrid, Klaus Lauer in Berlin, Gerhard Mey and Marie-Louise Gumuchian in London; Editing by Toby Chopra, Alexandra Hudson)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Dec 4 (Reuters) – The national broadcasters behind the Eurovision Song Contest, which draws millions of viewers worldwide, meet on Thursday to discuss whether Israel can compete next year, amid threats by some countries to pull out if it is not excluded over the Gaza war. The meeting at the European Broadcasting Union headquarters in Geneva will address new rules intended to discourage governments and third parties from overly promoting songs to sway voters, following allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant this year. If members cannot agree, they may hold a vote on Israel's participation. Some countries, including Spain's broadcaster, have accused Israel of not following the rules for the contest, which stresses its political neutrality, and of using it politically. They added its continued participation would be untenable in light of the war in Gaza. Israel, which came second this year, has not responded to these accusations, but frequently argues it has faced a global smear campaign. Critics of Israel's participation cite concerns over the Palestinian death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 70,000, according to Gaza health authorities. The war was sparked by the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's 2025 contest entrant, Raphael, was at the Nova music festival during the Hamas attack. EUROVISION ATTRACTS MORE VIEWERS THAN THE SUPER BOWL The Eurovision Song Contest, which dates back to 1956, reaches around 160 million viewers, according to the EBU. By contrast the U.S. Super Bowl this year drew almost 128 million, according to Nielsen, which measures global media audiences. The contest faces a "watershed moment", said Eurovision expert Paul Jordan. Public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands are threatening to boycott the May 2026 event, to be hosted by Austria, if Israel is allowed to compete. If members are not convinced that the new rules, which aim to protect the contest's neutrality and impartiality, are adequate, there will be a vote on participation, the EBU said. GERMAN MINISTER BACKS ISRAEL'S PARTICIPATION Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer told Reuters that Germany should not participate in Eurovision if Israel is excluded. "Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC)," he said. "There must be no ESC without Israel." A spokesperson for German broadcaster ARD said: "We hope for constructive discussions and solutions within the EBU that are consistent with the values of the EBU and the ESC." Austrian host broadcaster ORF wants Israel to compete. Israeli public broadcaster KAN said it is preparing for next year's contest and will soon release changes to its entry selection process. KAN added it will present its position on possible disqualification at the meeting. Under the new EBU rules, an expanded professional jury will be reintroduced at the semi-final stage and will have about 50% of the vote. The other half will remain a public vote. Audience members will now have a maximum of 10 rather than 20 votes to cast. "Fans will be actively encouraged to share their support across multiple entries," the EBU stated. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Emma Pinedo Gonzalez in Madrid, Klaus Lauer in Berlin, Gerhard Mey and Marie-Louise Gumuchian in London; Editing by Toby Chopra, Alexandra Hudson)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Dec 4 (Reuters) – The national broadcasters behind the Eurovision Song Contest, which draws millions of viewers worldwide, meet on Thursday to discuss whether Israel can compete next year, amid threats by some countries to pull out if it is not excluded over the Gaza war. The meeting at the European Broadcasting Union headquarters in Geneva will address new rules intended to discourage governments and third parties from overly promoting songs to sway voters, following allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant this year. If members cannot agree, they may hold a vote on Israel's participation. Some countries, including Spain's broadcaster, have accused Israel of not following the rules for the contest, which stresses its political neutrality, and of using it politically. They added its continued participation would be untenable in light of the war in Gaza. Israel, which came second this year, has not responded to these accusations, but frequently argues it has faced a global smear campaign. Critics of Israel's participation cite concerns over the Palestinian death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 70,000, according to Gaza health authorities. The war was sparked by the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's 2025 contest entrant, Raphael, was at the Nova music festival during the Hamas attack. EUROVISION ATTRACTS MORE VIEWERS THAN THE SUPER BOWL The Eurovision Song Contest, which dates back to 1956, reaches around 160 million viewers, according to the EBU. By contrast the U.S. Super Bowl this year drew almost 128 million, according to Nielsen, which measures global media audiences. The contest faces a "watershed moment", said Eurovision expert Paul Jordan. Public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands are threatening to boycott the May 2026 event, to be hosted by Austria, if Israel is allowed to compete. If members are not convinced that the new rules, which aim to protect the contest's neutrality and impartiality, are adequate, there will be a vote on participation, the EBU said. GERMAN MINISTER BACKS ISRAEL'S PARTICIPATION Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer told Reuters that Germany should not participate in Eurovision if Israel is excluded. "Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC)," he said. "There must be no ESC without Israel." A spokesperson for German broadcaster ARD said: "We hope for constructive discussions and solutions within the EBU that are consistent with the values of the EBU and the ESC." Austrian host broadcaster ORF wants Israel to compete. Israeli public broadcaster KAN said it is preparing for next year's contest and will soon release changes to its entry selection process. KAN added it will present its position on possible disqualification at the meeting. Under the new EBU rules, an expanded professional jury will be reintroduced at the semi-final stage and will have about 50% of the vote. The other half will remain a public vote. Audience members will now have a maximum of 10 rather than 20 votes to cast. "Fans will be actively encouraged to share their support across multiple entries," the EBU stated. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Emma Pinedo Gonzalez in Madrid, Klaus Lauer in Berlin, Gerhard Mey and Marie-Louise Gumuchian in London; Editing by Toby Chopra, Alexandra Hudson)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Dec 4 (Reuters) – The national broadcasters behind the Eurovision Song Contest, which draws millions of viewers worldwide, meet on Thursday to discuss whether Israel can compete next year, amid threats by some countries to pull out if it is not excluded over the Gaza war. The meeting at the European Broadcasting Union headquarters in Geneva will address new rules intended to discourage governments and third parties from overly promoting songs to sway voters, following allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant this year. If members cannot agree, they may hold a vote on Israel's participation. Some countries, including Spain's broadcaster, have accused Israel of not following the rules for the contest, which stresses its political neutrality, and of using it politically. They added its continued participation would be untenable in light of the war in Gaza. Israel, which came second this year, has not responded to these accusations, but frequently argues it has faced a global smear campaign. Critics of Israel's participation cite concerns over the Palestinian death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 70,000, according to Gaza health authorities. The war was sparked by the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's 2025 contest entrant, Raphael, was at the Nova music festival during the Hamas attack. EUROVISION ATTRACTS MORE VIEWERS THAN THE SUPER BOWL The Eurovision Song Contest, which dates back to 1956, reaches around 160 million viewers, according to the EBU. By contrast the U.S. Super Bowl this year drew almost 128 million, according to Nielsen, which measures global media audiences. The contest faces a "watershed moment", said Eurovision expert Paul Jordan. Public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands are threatening to boycott the May 2026 event, to be hosted by Austria, if Israel is allowed to compete. If members are not convinced that the new rules, which aim to protect the contest's neutrality and impartiality, are adequate, there will be a vote on participation, the EBU said. GERMAN MINISTER BACKS ISRAEL'S PARTICIPATION Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer told Reuters that Germany should not participate in Eurovision if Israel is excluded. "Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC)," he said. "There must be no ESC without Israel." A spokesperson for German broadcaster ARD said: "We hope for constructive discussions and solutions within the EBU that are consistent with the values of the EBU and the ESC." Austrian host broadcaster ORF wants Israel to compete. Israeli public broadcaster KAN said it is preparing for next year's contest and will soon release changes to its entry selection process. KAN added it will present its position on possible disqualification at the meeting. Under the new EBU rules, an expanded professional jury will be reintroduced at the semi-final stage and will have about 50% of the vote. The other half will remain a public vote. Audience members will now have a maximum of 10 rather than 20 votes to cast. "Fans will be actively encouraged to share their support across multiple entries," the EBU stated. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Emma Pinedo Gonzalez in Madrid, Klaus Lauer in Berlin, Gerhard Mey and Marie-Louise Gumuchian in London; Editing by Toby Chopra, Alexandra Hudson)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Dec 4 (Reuters) – Members of the body that organises the Eurovision Song Contest will meet on Thursday to discuss and potentially vote on whether Israel can compete next year, as some countries threaten to withdraw if it is not excluded over the Gaza war. The meeting at the European Broadcasting Union headquarters in Geneva will address new rules intended to discourage governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to sway voters, following allegations that Israel unfairly boosted its entrant to the contest this year. Israel, which came second in the contest, has not responded to these accusations, but frequently argues it has faced a global smear campaign. The contest faces a "watershed moment", said Eurovision expert Paul Jordan. Public broadcasters from Slovenia, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands are threatening to boycott the May 2026 event, to be hosted by Austria, if Israel is allowed to compete. Critics of Israel's participation cite concerns over the Palestinian death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 70,000, according to Gaza health authorities. The war was sparked by the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage to Gaza.    If members are not convinced that the new rules, which aim to protect the contest's neutrality and impartiality, are adequate, there will be a vote on participation, the EBU said. Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer told Reuters that Germany should not participate in Eurovision if Israel is excluded. "Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC)," he said. "There must be no ESC without Israel." German broadcaster ARD did not comment. Austrian host broadcaster ORF wants Israel to compete. Israeli public broadcaster KAN said it is preparing for next year's contest and will soon release changes to its selection process for choosing Israel's entry. KAN said it will present its position on possible disqualification at the meeting. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in BerlinEditing by Frances Kerry and Toby Chopra)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)