Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ, has announced it will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, citing the ongoing war in Gaza. The decision makes RTÉ the second broadcaster, after Slovenia's RTVSLO, to condition its participation on Israel's exclusion.
In a statement, RTÉ said: '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 described Ireland's potential involvement as 'unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza,' and expressed concern over the killing of journalists and the plight of hostages.
The move raises questions about RTÉ's impartiality as a public service broadcaster. Meanwhile, Spain's culture minister, Ernest Urtasun, has also called for Spain to withdraw if Israel participates, echoing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's earlier demand that Israel be held to the same standards as Russia over the Ukraine invasion.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has extended the deadline for broadcasters to confirm participation to December, appointing a consultant to address concerns. Martin Green, the contest director, said the EBU respects any decision broadcasters make. Israel's broadcaster, Kan, has confirmed it will take part.
The 2026 Eurovision will be held in Vienna next May, with over 160 million viewers expected. Protests at recent contests in Malmö and Basel have prompted organisers to offer a way out for broadcasters uncomfortable with Israel's involvement.
