Ireland threatens Eurovision boycott over Israel’s participation
Ireland could boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete.
Ireland has announced it may withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, citing grave humanitarian concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a statement released by national broadcaster RTÉ, the country made its position clear: “Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead.”
The broadcaster described the decision as a matter of conscience, referencing the “ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” the “targeted killing of journalists,” and the “denial of access to international media” as key factors behind the stance.
The move follows mounting pressure from artists and broadcasters across Europe. RTÉ joined Spanish and Slovenian media outlets in calling for consultations with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the contest. The EBU has since launched a dialogue with member nations and extended the deadline for withdrawal without penalty to December.
Ireland’s potential boycott adds to a growing wave of dissent. Demonstrations erupted during the 2024 and 2025 contests in Malmö and Basel, respectively, with calls to exclude Israel intensifying. Former Eurovision winners and contestants - including Ireland’s own Charlie McGettigan and Portugal’s Salvador Sobral - signed open letters urging the EBU to reconsider Israel’s eligibility.
RTÉ’s statement also thanked the EBU for its “extensive consultation process” and emphasised that a final decision will be made once the union confirms its stance on Israel’s participation.
Israel's Yuval Raphael finished second in the 2025 contest.
Ireland, a seven-time Eurovision champion, last won the contest in 1996. Its 2025 entry, Emmy’s Laika Party, failed to reach the final in Basel.
The 2026 edition is set to take place in Vienna, Austria, following Austrian artist JJ’s victory with Wasted Love.
The backlash comes after Russia was banned from entering the contest in 2022 due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
