RTÉ has declared that it will withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest “if the participation of Israel goes ahead,” reports RTE.
In a statement issued today, the national broadcaster outlined its stance, stating that “it is RTÉ’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, if the participation of Israel goes ahead, and the final decision regarding Ireland’s participation will be made once the EBU’s decision is made”.
RTÉ’s Director General, Kevin Bakhurst, expressed the broadcaster’s reasoning by saying that “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages”, reports RTE.
Speaking to media on Thursday, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers voiced his backing for RTÉ’s stance.
Although Mr Chambers mentioned he was not aware of any prior discussions between RTÉ and the Government regarding the decision, he stated: “I think we’ve all been shocked over the summer to see the innocent killing of journalists who are providing objective information to the world about the genocide in Gaza and Israel’s activities and I absolutely respect RTE’s decision,” reports RTE.
Eurovision director Martin Green addressed the situation by commenting: “We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“We are still consulting with all EBU members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Eurovision Song Contest.
“Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna. It is up to each member to decide if they want to take part in the contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make,” reports RTE.
The Dublin Broadcasting Branch of the National Union of Journalists voiced its approval of RTÉ’s decision. In their statement, the group mentioned that members employed by RTÉ are in support of the broadcaster’s position not to participate if Israel is included.
Back in May, the Dublin Broadcasting Branch had sent a letter to RTÉ, urging the organisation to oppose Israel’s participation. The branch highlighted its concerns over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, and the alarming rise in attacks on journalists and media personnel, reports RTE.
In its most recent statement, the Dublin Broadcasting Branch said it “strongly welcomes RTÉ’s clear statement that it would be unconscionable for Ireland to participate next year” and added that the position “reflects the views of staff working at the broadcaster, and those of the Irish public that we serve”.
They further encouraged other broadcasters in Europe to adopt a similar stance, and urged the EBU to immediately “suspend Israel from the 2026 contest as a matter of urgency”, reports RTE.
The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be hosted in Vienna, Austria next May. The event will take place following Austria’s victory this year, where artist JJ won in Basel, Switzerland with his entry, Wasted Love. Ireland was represented in Basel by Emmy, performing her track Laika Party.
Debate surrounding Israel’s involvement in Eurovision has intensified in recent times, with notable protests occurring during the competition—both this year in Basel and in Malmö, Sweden in 2024, reports RTE.
RTÉ, along with Spain and Slovenia’s broadcasters, requested formal discussions with the EBU over Israel’s presence in the contest. In response, the EBU pledged to hold talks. After its General Assembly in July, several member broadcasters expressed reservations regarding Israel’s continued involvement.
In its statement, RTÉ acknowledged and appreciated the EBU’s “extensive consultation process that was initiated on foot of that meeting” and the decision to allow countries to opt out of next year’s contest without penalties until December, reports RTE.
Since first entering the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965, Ireland has taken part regularly and has claimed victory seven times.
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