LONDON: Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, national public broadcaster RTE confirmed on Thursday.
In a statement, RTE said that during the European Broadcasting Union General Assembly in July, “a number of EBU members raised concerns about the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest.”
The Irish broadcaster said that a final decision on participation would be made once the EBU reached its own conclusion.
“It is RTE’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead,” the statement said, adding that the broadcaster appreciated “the extensive consultation process” by the EBU and the extension of the option to withdraw without penalty until December.
RTE cited the violence in Gaza as a key reason for its stance.
“RTE feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” it said.
The broadcaster also expressed concern over the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, restricted access for international media, and the plight of hostages in the region.
Ireland has won Eurovision seven times, the joint most victories of any country in the competition’s history.
