Ireland will not take part in Eurovision over Israel participation, RTÉ says

James Cox

Ireland will not take ‍part in or broadcast next ‍year's Eurovision Song Contest after European Broadcasting ‌Union members on Thursday ⁠decided not to ‌call ​a vote ‍on Israel's participation, RTÉ said.

Ireland ⁠was among ⁠a number of ⁠countries that said it ‍would not take part if Israel does. RTÉ said in a statement that Ireland's ‌participation "remains unconscionable ‌given the appalling loss of lives ‌in Gaza and humanitarian ⁠crisis".

The full statement reads: “Following today’s EBU Winter General Assembly in Geneva at which Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTÉ’s position remains unchanged. RTÉ will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition.

"RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk. RTÉ remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denial of access to international journalists to the territory.”

RTÉ, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS and Spain's RTVE say they won't participate in the 2026 contest.

Israel was accused of unfair voting practices after coming second this year - which it denies.

More to follow