- RTÉ says it will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate.
- Slovenia and Spain have also signaled possible withdrawal.
- RTÉ cites the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and press freedom concerns.
- The final decision depends on the European Broadcasting Union’s ruling.
- The 2026 contest is scheduled for May in Vienna.
- Over 70 former contestants have called for Israel’s exclusion.
Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ has announced that it will withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to participate, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and concerns over press freedom and hostages.
The broadcaster described its potential involvement as unacceptable under current circumstances and said its final decision will depend on the European Broadcasting Union’s ruling.
RTÉ’s stance has sparked a wave of solidarity across Europe. Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTVSLO has also declared its intention to pull out if Israel competes, while Spain’s Culture Minister has indicated that his country may follow suit.
The 2026 contest is scheduled to take place in Vienna next May. Ireland, which holds the record for the most Eurovision wins, last claimed victory in 1996.
The controversy follows months of pressure from artists and activists. Earlier this year, more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter urging organizers to ban Israel from the competition, citing the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza and the targeting of journalists.
RTÉ has also raised concerns about political interference in Israel’s public broadcaster and the broader implications for media independence.
As the European Broadcasting Union prepares to make its final decision, the growing backlash threatens to reshape the future of Eurovision — turning a music contest into a flashpoint for global conscience.
