Ireland Is Ready To Ditch Eurovision And It’s All Because Of Israel
The lead-up to Eurovision 2026 is already facing major challenges. Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, has announced it may withdraw from the contest if Israel is allowed to compete, putting pressure on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to make a difficult decision.
Éirevision statement on Ireland's Potential Withdrawal from Eurovision 2026.#Eurovision pic.twitter.com/oLyRijqlYH
— Éirevision Podcast 🇮🇪 (@EirevisionPod) September 11, 2025
Ireland says its participation is unconscionable.
In a statement released on Thursday, RTÉ explained that taking part alongside Israel would be unthinkable. The broadcaster cited the “ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza” as the primary reason for its stance. The statement also noted deep concerns about the declared famine in the region, the targeted killing of journalists, and the plight of remaining hostages. RTÉ confirmed its final decision will be made after the EBU, the organisation that runs Eurovision, confirms the list of participating countries.
BREAKING: Ireland 🇮🇪 will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates. pic.twitter.com/xXUForsxem
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) September 11, 2025
Other countries are also having second thoughts…
Ireland, which has won the competition seven times, is not alone in its position. Spain has reportedly made a similar threat, with Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun stating, “I don’t think we can normalise Israel’s participation in international events as if nothing is happening.”
Broadcasters in Slovenia and Iceland have also signalled their reluctance to compete if Israel is included. This growing discontent follows controversy at this year’s contest, where over 70 acts signed an open letter calling for Israel’s removal.
For a contest with the official ethos “United By Music”, the situation feels anything but. So, will the EBU hold its ground, or are we about to see a very different kind of contest in Vienna next May? The event is scheduled to take place at the Wiener Stadthalle, following Switzerland’s win in Basel with JJ’s song, Wasted Love.
