RTE Says Ireland Will Boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel Participates

Irish broadcaster RTE announced on Thursday that Ireland will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest next year if Israel is allowed to compete. The broadcaster argued that doing so would be “inappropriate” given the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

According to local health authorities, recent editions of Eurovision have already been affected by protests against Israel’s involvement, which is linked to the military assault on Gaza that has resulted in more than 64,000 deaths.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

Israel has long been a participant in Eurovision as a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes and co-produces the annual event.

RTE stated that during a meeting in July, several EBU members expressed concerns about Israel’s participation.

In a statement, the broadcaster said, “RTE believes that Ireland’s participation would be inappropriate given the ongoing and devastating loss of life in Gaza.”

It added, “RTE is also deeply concerned about the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international reporters, and the plight of the remaining hostages.”

Israel has denied targeting journalists in the region.

RTE further clarified that a final decision regarding Ireland’s involvement in the contest, which is set to be held in Vienna in 2026, will be made after the EBU reaches its decision on Israel’s participation.

The EBU was not immediately available for comment.

Ireland has competed in Eurovision since 1965 and has won the contest seven times—a record matched only by Sweden.