Ireland won’t contest Eurovision if Israel takes part

RTÉ has announced that it will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song contest “if the participation of Israel goes ahead”.

In a statement released today, the broadcaster says that “it is RTÉ’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”.

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst said that “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages.”

The 70th anniversary edition of the contest is due to take place in Vienna, Austria next May after Austrian entry JJ won with his song Wasted Love in Basel, Switzerland earlier this year. Ireland was represented by Emmy in Basel, with her song Laika Party.

There has been growing controversy about Israel’s participation in Eurovision, with large demonstrations held during the competition in the host cities of Basel earlier this year and in Malmö, Sweden in 2024.

The EBU is an alliance of public service media organisations in countries within the European Broadcasting Area or who are members of the Council of Europe.

Along with Spanish and Slovenian broadcasters, RTÉ had sought consultations with the EBU on Israel’s participation, and the EBU had committed to dialogue on the issue.

Following a 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.

RTÉ says in its statement that the broadcaster 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.

Ireland has participated in the song contest since 1965 and has won the contest seven times.

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