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Key Points
- Irish broadcaster RTE said Ireland will not take part in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete.
- Eurovision organisers say they’re still determining how to manage participation and geopolitical tensions.
- Eurovision 2025 winner JJ and the Spanish president have also called for Israel’s exclusion from the contest.
Ireland’s RTE said a number of EBU members had raised concerns about Israel taking part in the event during a meeting in July.
“RTE feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
Organisers ‘consulting’ on geopolitical tensions
“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.”
Ireland has participated in the contest since 1965 and won seven times, with only Sweden matching its record number of victories.
Spain and Eurovision 2025 winner also call for Israel’s exclusion
Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has overshadowed the event in recent years. Source: Getty / Harold Cunningham
Sánchez said “no-one was shocked” when Russia was asked to withdraw from such events after it invaded Ukraine.
