The controversy over Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest escalates as 170 Belgian artists and cultural workers petition against RTBF's decision to participate in Eurovision 2026, arguing it normalizes violations of international law. They criticize the double standard compared to Russia's exclusion and accuse Israel of using cultural events for propaganda. Eurovision director Martin Green defends the contest's mission of unity through music, while critics highlight perceived hypocrisy. The Austrian broadcaster ORF will allow the Palestinian flag and not censor audience reactions.