Ireland to pull out of Eurovision if Israel take part, RTÉ says

Ellen O'Donoghue

Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision song contest "if participation of Israel goes ahead", RTÉ announced on Wednesday.

In a statement, RTÉ said 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."

The broadcaster added 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, and the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages."

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

Broadcasters in Iceland and Slovenia have recently said they may not take part in the competition next year if Israel is involved.

RTÉ had sought consultations with the EBU on Israel's participation along with Spanish and Slovenian broadcasters, and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had committed to dialogue on the issue.

Following a General Assembly of the EBU in July, a number of EBU members raised concerns about the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest.

RTÉ said in its statement that the broadcaster wished 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.