Ireland’s state broadcaster RTÉ said it will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, calling participation “unconscionable” in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
RTÉ said the decision follows concerns raised by several members of the European Broadcasting Union at its July general assembly and that the broadcaster would make a final decision after the EBU issues a ruling. The 2026 contest is scheduled for Vienna after Austria’s Johannes Pietsch won the 2025 contest.
In a statement, RTÉ thanked the EBU for an "extensive consultation process" and for extending an option to withdraw without penalty until December. The broadcaster said it would not send an act “if the participation of Israel goes ahead,” citing the “ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” what it described as the “targeted killing of journalists in Gaza,” and “the plight of the remaining hostages.”
The dispute comes amid heightened international scrutiny of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which began after a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. The war has produced extensive civilian casualties and widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip. RTÉ’s statement echoes concerns expressed by other broadcasters and rights groups about access for international journalists and the protection of civilians.
The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the annual contest, has been engaged in consultations after members raised concerns about Israel’s participation. The EBU has not publicly overturned the principle that all active members are eligible to participate in Eurovision, and officials have said decisions on eligibility are made according to the union’s rules and statutes.
Ireland is a long-standing and historically successful participant in Eurovision, having won the competition a record seven times. It sent an entry to the 2025 contest and saw Israel place second that year.
RTÉ’s announcement places additional pressure on the EBU to address member concerns while balancing the contest’s stated ethos of cultural exchange and inclusivity. The broadcaster’s move also underscores how the Gaza war is reverberating across cultural and sporting events.
International criticism of Israel’s campaign has intensified in recent weeks after a United Nations–backed report warned of severe humanitarian conditions and widespread food insecurity in Gaza. Rights groups and some UN officials have accused Israel of actions that could amount to war crimes; Israeli officials reject those characterizations and say their operations are directed at Hamas militants.
Israeli military operations have drawn further international concern after strikes in other parts of the Middle East. In early September, Israel carried out strikes in Qatar that killed several people, prompting strong rebukes from Gulf leaders and complicating mediation efforts aimed at securing the release of hostages still held by Hamas. Qatar’s prime minister said the strikes undermined hopes for a negotiated resolution, and noted families of hostages relying on mediation.
Humanitarian agencies and Gaza health authorities report large numbers of casualties and deepening shortages of food, medicine and fuel. Citing the Hamas-run health ministry, some Gaza officials say tens of thousands have been killed since October 2023; independent verification has been limited by restricted access. International aid organizations have reported rising levels of malnutrition among children and civilians in the territory.
The EBU has given RTÉ until December to decide whether to withdraw without penalty. If Ireland does not participate, the withdrawal would be a notable cultural and political statement from a country that has been outspoken on Gaza and one of Eurovision’s most successful entrants.
EBU officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. RTÉ said its final decision will follow the EBU’s ruling on the matter and any further developments related to the conflict and the participation of its members in the contest.