Ireland threatens to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates

Despite still being several months away, the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is already embroiled in controversy, as Ireland’s broadcaster has threatened to withdraw from next year’s event if Israel is allowed to take part.

RTÉ put out a statement on Thursday (11 September) warning it might take this action saying, “Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”

The statement referred to a meeting of the General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) that took place in July. It said a number of members had “raised concerns” about Israel taking part given the ongoing situation in Gaza.

As reported by the British Red Cross, 2.1 million people in Gaza are facing extreme hunger. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed last month that a famine is taking place.

RTÉ’s statement to the EBU on Thursday thanked the organisation for an “extensive consultation process” and for extending the window to withdraw from the competition without penalty to December.

“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 statement reads.

“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,” it added.

Israel’s involvement in this year’s event was also strongly criticised. More than 70 Eurovision acts signed an open letter calling for Israel’s broadcaster, KAN, and Yuval Raphael to be removed. Signatories argued that silence was “not an option,” condemning the EBU for continuing to offer Israel a platform. Protests against Israel’s act also took place.

The BBC reports that RTÉ wanted a discussion on Israel’s involvement in this year’s Contest back in May. Kevin BakHurst, the director general of RTÉ said he was “appalled” by the crisis in Gaza. He also said he was mindful of maintaining RTÉ’s objectivity in covering the war.

Spain also threatens boycott

According to Metro, Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has threatened that the country will also withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate.

‘I don’t think we can normalise Israel’s participation in international events as if nothing is happening,’ Urtasun said, as reported by EuroNews.

Slovenia and Iceland have also expressed reservations about taking part in the 2026 competition if Israel is included.

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is due to be held in Vienna, it was confirmed recently. It follows JJ‘s win at this year’s contest in Basel, Switzerland with “Wasted Love,”. 

Eurovision 2026 will take place on Saturday 16 May at the Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor arena. The two live Semi-Finals will take place on Tuesday 12 May and also Thursday 14 May. 

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