Ireland threatens to withdraw from Eurovision if Israel participates
The Irish state broadcaster, RTÉ, has confirmed that it will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is permitted to take part.
“Ireland’s participation in the event would be unconscionable,” RTÉ said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). Ireland has won the competition seven times in total, most recently in 1996. RTÉ added that once the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) makes its decision, it will issue a final confirmation of its own.
Next year’s contest will take place in May in Vienna. Slovenia’s national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has also announced that it will withdraw if Israel participates. Spain’s Culture Minister, Ernest Urtasun, has likewise stated that Spain will not take part should Israel be allowed to compete.
“It is RTÉ’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel’s participation goes ahead,” the broadcaster reiterated on Thursday.
RTÉ also expressed deep concern about the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the refusal to grant foreign journalists access to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages.
The broadcaster confirmed that it had previously raised the issue of Israel’s participation with the EBU ahead of this year’s Eurovision. Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ’s Director General, said he was “appalled” by the continuing events in the Middle East, the deadly consequences for civilians in Gaza, and the ongoing plight of Israeli hostages. He added that while RTÉ was conscious of its duty to remain objective in reporting on the conflict, it was also “extremely aware of the vehement political pressure from Israel’s public service broadcaster, Kan.”
Earlier this year, more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter urging organisers to ban Israel from the 2025 competition.
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