Many Israelis see international condemnation as evidence of anti-Semitism, rather than a verdict on their government's actions. Defying a chorus of global condemnation and international law, Israel nevertheless proceeded earlier this month with the de facto annexation of the West Bank, home to more than three million Palestinians and a territory it has illegally occupied since 1967. The international criticism that met the announcement was hardly new.
Calls for Israel to be banned from the World Cup and Eurovision are growing due to the genocide in Gaza. Calls for Israel to be banned from global sport and cultural competitions are growing. Many argue the country should not be taking part in international events while it is committing genocide in Gaza. With next year's World Cup and Eurovision Song Contest on the line, what is the case for and against barring Israel?