Millions of fans across Europe (and Australia) will be tuning in to see if their nation’s act can bring home the Eurovision trophy this month – but five countries will be noticeably absent from this year’s song contest. Amid a continued furore over the decision to allow Israel to compete , a number of countries – including one of the “Big Five” – have announced that they will not be taking part. The event’s organisers, the Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU), came under pressure to ban Israel from entering the competition in both 2024 and 2025 amid the war in Gaza. Both contests went ahead as planned but not without controversy . Performers at each contest, including the UK’s 2025 entrant Olly Alexander, found themselves under pressure to pull out, while viewing figures have continued to dip as many longtime fans have boycotted the event. Yuval Raphael represented Israel last year (AFP/Getty) Last year Austria won the contest and is therefore on hosting duties this year,.…