Broadcaster RTE has announced that Ireland will not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate
The Irish broadcaster said that Ireland’s participation would be “unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza” .
They added that a final decision on participation would be made when the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) makes its decision.
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Ireland joins Slovenia and Spain who are also threatening to withdraw their country’s participation if Israel is not banned.
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Ausrtian singer JJ who won winner of last year’s Eurovision has said that he also wants Israel to be banned from the Eurovision 2026.
There has been growing controversy about Israel’s participation in Eurovision with protests in host cities in the last two years.
The Independent reports: A spokesperson for Eurovision said it was up to each state to decide if it wanted to take part in the contest.
An RTE statement said that at the General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union in July, “a number of EBU members raised concerns about the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest”.
It added: “RTE wishes to thank the EBU for the extensive consultation process that was initiated on foot of that meeting, and the extension of the option to withdraw from participation without penalty to December.
“It is RTE’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead, and the final decision regarding Ireland’s participation will be made once the EBU’s decision is made.”
The statement added: “RTE feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”
RTE is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, and the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages.”
Eurovision director Martin Green said: “We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“We are still consulting with all EBU members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Eurovision Song Contest.
