Ireland will not take part in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, and the event will not be shown on RTÉ, after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed that Israel will be allowed to compete in Vienna in 2026. The decision was reached at the EBU’s Winter General Assembly in Geneva, where members opted not to call a vote on Israel’s participation. Instead, they approved new rules aimed at preventing governments or outside groups from heavily promoting entries to influence the result.
In a statement, RTÉ said: "Following today’s EBU Winter General Assembly in Geneva at which Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTÉ's position remains unchanged. RTÉ will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition.
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."
RTÉ’s withdrawal adds to a growing list of European broadcasters stepping back from next year’s contest. Spain, one of Eurovision’s “Big Five” countries, has confirmed it will also withdraw from Eurovision 2026. As a major financial contributor that automatically qualifies for the grand final, Spain’s exit marks a significant shift for the contest.
@radionova100fm Spain has now joined Ireland in a possible boycott of Eurovision, in regards to the Israel’s participation in the song contest #eurovision2026 ♬ original sound - Radio Nova 100
The Netherlands has likewise confirmed its boycott, with Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS saying it will not participate due to Israel’s inclusion. Slovenia has followed suit, with RTV Slovenia board chairwoman Natalija Gorscak issuing a strong statement: "For the third year in a row, the public has demanded that we say no to the participation of any country that attacks another country. We must follow European standards for peace and understanding. Eurovision has been a place for joy and happiness from the very beginning, performers and audiences have been united by music, and it should remain that way.
Our message is: we will not participate in the ESC if Israel is there. On behalf of the 20,000 children who died in Gaza."
Despite the backlash, Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, has confirmed it will take part in next year’s contest. In a statement on X, President Isaac Herzog said Israel "deserves to be represented on every stage around the world", adding: "I am pleased that Israel will once again participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, and I hope that the competition will remain one that champions culture, music, friendship between nations, and cross-border cultural understanding. Thank you to all our friends who stood up for Israel's right to continue to contribute and compete at Eurovision."
The EBU’s announcement included a package of reforms introduced after allegations that Israel unfairly boosted support for its 2024 entry, which finished second. The revised system will expand the professional jury’s role in the semi-finals and reduce the number of votes each viewer can cast from 20 to 10, encouraging audiences to distribute their support more broadly.
Ireland has appeared in the Eurovision Song Contest 58 times since 1965, missing only two editions—1983 and 2002. Next year will now mark another rare absence, with RTÉ standing firm on its stance amid ongoing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the broader fallout of Israel’s confirmed participation.
