RTÉ have confirmed that if Israel participates in Eurovision 2026, Ireland will not.
The Irish broadcaster has confirmed that the country will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is also participating. Ireland now become the fourth country thus far to talk about possible withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 in the event of Israel’s participation, after Slovenia, Iceland and Spain.
A statement from the broadcaster reads: “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.”
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst has said: “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, the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages”.
In addition to this, on RTÉ evening news today, it was mentioned that if Israel participates in Eurovision 2026, not only would Ireland withdraw, but they would also not even broadcast the contest at all.
Broadcasters speak out!
Over the past few days, numerous broadcasters have come forward and confirmed that their Eurovision 2026 participation is uncertain, mainly due to Israel’s potential participation.
In Slovenia, The Director of RTVSLO, Ksenija Horvat, has said the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is currently uncertain, mainly due to financial issues, Israel’s participation and lack of communication from the EBU over concerns raised, stating: “we realistically think that we will not be able to go to the Eurovision Song Contest.”
The Board of Directors at RÚV have made reservations about the country’s particpation in Eurovision next year, and at the present time, it is not clear whether Iceland will be present at Eurovision 2026 or not. The reason that the Icelandic broadcaster is unsure if Iceland will participate in Eurovision 2026 or not is due to Israel’s participation in the contest.
The Minister of Culture for Spain, Ernest Uratsun, has called on his country to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel will participate. This echoes similar sentiments made by the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in May.
Meanwhile, AVROTROS of The Netherlands and SVT of Sweden are reported to be in talks with the EBU, with The Netherland’s yet to confirm their participation in Eurovision 2026.
What do you think of RTÉ’s decision to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates? Do you think other countries will follow suit? Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below!
