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(Image: AFP via Getty Images)Ireland will not compete in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest and RTE has confirmed they will not be airing the show after Israel was officially cleared to compete.
The decision came after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed on Thursday that Israel will be allowed to enter the 2026 contest in Vienna.
The decision was taken at a meeting in Geneva, where most members agreed there was no need for a vote on Israel's participation.
Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia have also confirmed that they have withdrawn from the contest, because of the ongoing war in Gaza, while Iceland will decide next week.
The EBU meeting followed claims that Israel unfairly boosted its position in this year’s contest.
In a statement this evening, RTÉ said its position remains unchanged.
“RTÉ will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition,” Corporate Communications Manager Neil O’Gorman said.
“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.”
A boycott by key European supporters could lead to a significant decline in audience figures and potential sponsorship.
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