Ireland has said it will not take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete.
RTÉ, the country’s national broadcaster, confirmed it has told the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) that its participation in the 2026 event will depend on Israel’s status.
“It is RTÉ’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead,” the broadcaster said. “Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”
The broadcaster also highlighted concerns over the killing of journalists in Gaza, restrictions on international media access, and the situation of hostages still held in the territory.
Growing Pressure on Organisers
Ireland is the second country to make such a move after Slovenia’s broadcaster, RTVSLO, said it would also refuse to take part if Israel remains in the contest.
Spain is facing similar calls. Earlier this week, culture minister Ernest Urtasun said Israel should be expelled, and that Spain may withdraw if it is not. “We cannot normalise Israel’s participation in international forums as if nothing has happened,” he told Spanish television.
Eurovision 2026 is due to take place in Vienna next May. The contest is one of the biggest television events in the world, watched by around 160 million people.
Protests and a Delayed Deadline
Eurovision organisers have faced protests at the last two events in Malmö and Basel, with demonstrators demanding Israel’s exclusion.
Normally, broadcasters must confirm their entry by October, but the EBU has extended the deadline to December this year to allow more time for discussions. A consultant has also been appointed to help members find a way forward, and there may be a formal vote on Israel’s participation.
Martin Green, Eurovision’s director, said: “We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. We are consulting with all EBU members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions. It is up to each broadcaster to decide if they want to take part, and we respect that decision.”
Israel Says It Will Compete
Despite the controversy, Israel’s national broadcaster, Kan, has already confirmed it will take part in Vienna. The channel has itself faced political pressure at home, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatening to privatise it after accusing it of bias.
Mixed Views Across Europe
While Ireland, Slovenia and Spain have spoken out, many other broadcasters are waiting to see how the EBU handles the issue.
The BBC has declined to comment, while Iceland’s RÚV says it will decide after the consultation ends. Finland’s YLE has already started its national song selection but admitted the Gaza war is influencing discussions.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is tragic, and we sincerely hope for an end to the suffering as soon as possible,” said Johanna Törn-Mangs, YLE’s head of culture. “Israel’s participation in Eurovision has been a significant topic of discussion in Finland.”
Sweden’s SVT said it was in regular contact with the EBU about the issue.
A Contest Under Pressure
Ireland is one of the most successful countries in Eurovision history, with seven wins, but a boycott would be a symbolic blow to the contest’s reputation as a non-political celebration of music.
If more countries follow Ireland and Slovenia, Eurovision could face its most divisive year yet. The EBU will need to decide whether to keep Israel in and risk walkouts, or bar it and anger other members.
Either way, Eurovision 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most politically charged contests in its 70-year history.
