- September 11, 2025
- 8:36 pm
- Brief news
The national broadcaster of Ireland, RTÉ, announced the possibility of withdrawing from the Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates in the contest. This decision is related to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the death of civilians, according to BBC reports.
Details
In a statement released on Thursday, RTÉ emphasized: “Ireland will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel’s participation in the contest becomes a fact. The decision on Ireland’s potential participation will only be made after the final position of the EBU.”
There is also concern about “the deliberate killing of journalists in Gaza, the inability of international media representatives to access, and the dire situation of released hostages.”
Context of the Situation
Before the current Eurovision, which took place in May, RTÉ sent a request to the EBU to discuss the possibility of excluding Israel from the contest.
At that time, RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst expressed horror at what is happening in the Middle East, as well as deep concern for the fate of civilians in Gaza and Israeli hostages. He also highlighted RTÉ’s commitments to objectively cover conflicts in the region.
Bakhurst noted: “Serious pressure from the Israeli authorities on the public broadcaster ‘KAN’ should also be considered.”
Earlier this year, more than 70 former Eurovision participants signed an open letter to the organizers calling for Israel to be banned from the 2025 contest.
Other Countries
The national broadcaster of Slovenia, RTVSLO, also confirmed that it will cancel its participation if an Israeli representative performs. Spanish Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun stated that his country may also refuse to participate for the same reason.
Stefan Eiriksson from Iceland’s RÚV noted that his country’s participation depends on the results of current consultations in the EBU regarding the participation of the Israeli broadcaster KAN. Eiriksson added that RÚV “reserves the right to withdraw from participation if the EBU does not offer an acceptable solution.”
It was previously reported that Vienna was chosen as the host city for Eurovision 2026, which will be held at the “Wiener Stadthalle.” This became possible thanks to the victory of Austria’s representative Jay Jay in the 2025 contest.