Ireland will not take part in Eurovision if Israel participates, RTE announces
Ireland will not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 if Israel participates, broadcaster RTE has announced.
An RTE statement said that at the General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in July, “a number of EBU members raised concerns about the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest”.
The Irish broadcaster said a final decision on participation would be made when the EBU reaches its decision.
It added: “RTE 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.
“It is RTE’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 statement added: “RTE feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.
“RTE 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.”
Ireland has won the Eurovision seven times, the joint most of any country.
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
Good decision. Let’s see if any other countries have as good a moral compass.
Slovenia announced they would not take part about a week ago.
Diolch yn fawr Iwerddon. A country with a conscience. Take note complicit Britain and those performing. Don’t turn a blind eye to Israeli genocide. 🇮🇪 🤝🏴 🇵🇸✊
What about the rapes and murders on October 7? What about all the crimes of Hamas against the Palestinians as well. The whole thing is a horrible mess. The war was started by Hamas and would likely have ended by now if they returned the hostages. Netanyahu was not a man to pick a fight with as he will fight to the end. I have heard a Hamas spokesman admit it was a mistake. Now most of the hostages are dead and those that returned have told tales of abuse I don’t think he will stop until Hamas is eradicated.
Ireland leading the way in human decency.
Good job 🇮🇪!! 👍✊
At last, a country with a backbone-well done Ireland
That’s a type of blackmail and supposes anyone want to listen to any more music out of Ireland. Perhaps Eurovision should review criteria for entry of all states. Ireland is not especially moral either having been supportive of terrorism and more racist than most countries. and perhaps should take a long look at itself. None of these futile gestures like Lush closing for a day will help the Palestinians. We need an immediate end to the war in Gaza and a return of the remaining hostages. Perhaps an alternative would be for Eurovision just to finish altogether. It is supposed… Read more »
The only ones that can stop the genocide and ethnic cleansing of a semitic Palestinian population is the evil zionist government and their sideshow Hamas. Have you never watched eurovision? The voting system is just politics.
Israel should be barred from all sporting events as well.