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. P

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