Friday, September 12, 2025 - Irish broadcaster RTÉ has announced it will withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to participate, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and concerns over press freedom.
In a statement released today, September 11, RTÉ said its
position was made clear following discussions at the European Broadcasting
Union (EBU) General Assembly in July, where several member states voiced
objections to Israel’s involvement. The broadcaster thanked the EBU for
extending the option to withdraw without penalty until December, when a final
decision on participation is expected.
“RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be
unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” the
broadcaster said, adding that it was also “deeply concerned by the targeted
killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international
journalists, and the plight of the remaining hostages.”
The announcement comes amid growing calls across Europe to
ban Israel from the contest. Spain’s culture minister Ernest Urtasun has said
his country would pull out if Israel takes part, stressing that Eurovision
cannot “normalise Israel’s participation in international events as if nothing
is happening.” Slovenian broadcaster RTVSLO has echoed this position, warning
it would also withdraw over what it described as genocide in Gaza. Icelandic
broadcaster RÚV has similarly signalled doubts about participation depending on
the EBU’s ruling.
Eurovision director Martin Green has said consultations are
ongoing with members, noting the “deeply held views” around the conflict.
Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they will take part.
The political row threatens to overshadow next year’s 70th
anniversary contest in Vienna, after Austrian singer JJ secured victory in
Basel this year with his song Wasted Love. JJ has since joined calls for
changes to the competition, saying it is “very disappointing to see that Israel
is still participating.”
Ireland has a strong history at Eurovision, with seven wins,
the joint-highest of any nation, but its latest entry failed to qualify for the
televised final in 2025. Israel, meanwhile, finished second in this year’s
contest with Yuval Raphael’s New Day Will Rise, which topped the public
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