In brief
RTÉ has announced it will abstain from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest should Israel's participation be confirmed, highlighting moral objections to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This stance echoes similar sentiments from broadcasters in Slovenia and Spain and reflects a wider concern regarding the impact of geopolitical issues on international cultural events. The Eurovision director acknowledges the complexity of participation amid these tensions.
The Irish broadcaster, RTÉ, has said it will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead.
In a statement, RTÉ said that Ireland's participation in the event would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.
Ireland has won the contest seven times in total, most recently in 1996.
RTÉ will make a final decision once the Eurovision organisers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), makes its decision.
Next year's contest will be held in May in Vienna.
Slovenia's national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has also said it will withdraw from the competition if Israel participates.
Spain's Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has said that his country may also not take part should Israel participate.
Stefán Eiríksson from Iceland's national broadcaster RÚV said its involvement in the 2026 contest was subject to the outcome of the ongoing consultation process within the EBU, due to the participation of the Israeli state broadcaster KAN in the competition.
Frank Dermody, Chair of the Irish Eurovision Fan club, commended RTÉ's decision, noting the need for the contest to focus on peace and love instead of conflict.
Earlier this year, over 70 former Eurovision contestants voiced their concerns and called for Israel's ban from the competition.
Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, recognized the complexities of managing participation amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, stating they are gathering thoughts from all EBU Members on this sensitive issue.
