[Brekkie]

I don't really think Russia being banned is the precedent a lot of people seem to think it is. Ultimately Russia was getting banned from absolutely every sporting and entertainment event going, facing extreme sanctions from almost every government in Europe (all but around 5 competing countries in 2022) and there were a number of broadcasters who were highly likely to have pulled out. It would have been extremely odd for them to allow Russia to continue competing.

This time there's none of that, not a single broadcaster has pulled out because of Israel, the country is still competing in sporting events, European governments aren't taking anywhere near the same line on Israel as they did with Russia and indeed they still have overall support.

Really it's a situation more akin to Russia invading Crimea in 2014, nothing was done then either. It is ultimately a competition between broadcasters so there isn't much the EBU can do, and there isn't much they can say either without pissing people off. Banning Israel would be a clearly political decision that would set them apart from other events/organisations in a way that Russia 2022 didn't.

Exactly, and at the moment there doesn't seem to be the heat on sporting organisations about Israel competing in UEFA tournaments or the Olympics for example. That might get more attention as we get closer to the event, though I guess the big difference is that Israel is just a footnote in those events but has been a fairly major player in Eurovision.

To be honest people giving them all this attention plays into Israel's hands more than just letting things run their course - ultimately it's three minutes of a show which can easily be ignored if you feel so strongly and ultimately if they progress to the final is down to the audience, though I feel the more vocal people oppose them the more likely they will make the final. Ultimately whether they do or not and whether they participate or not will make not the slightest bit of difference to those directly affected in Gaza.