Ireland Eurovision Israel Withdrawal Threat
RTÉ Declines Participation in 2026 Eurovision Amid Ongoing Concerns
RTÉ Opts Out of 2026 Eurovision
The Irish state broadcaster,RTÉ,has announced its decision not to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. This move follows internal discussions and reflects ongoing concerns regarding the political dimensions surrounding the event.
Background: Concerns Over Israeli Participation
Prior to the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2025, RTÉ requested a discussion with the european Broadcasting Union (EBU) about Israel’s inclusion in the competition. This request highlighted the broadcaster’s unease with the broader political context.
Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ’s Director General, expressed his concerns at the time. He stated he was “appalled by the ongoing events in the Middle East and by the horrific impact on civilians in Gaza, and the fate of Israeli hostages.” He also emphasized RTÉ’s commitment to maintaining objectivity in its coverage of the conflict.
Bakhurst further noted the “severe political pressure on israel’s public service broadcaster, Kan, from the Israeli goverment,” adding another layer to RTÉ’s concerns.
Artists’ Boycott Calls
Earlier in 2025, the debate surrounding Israel’s participation intensified when more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter calling on the organisers to ban Israel from the 2025 competition.
This action underscored the growing sentiment among some within the Eurovision community that the contest should not be used to normalize or deflect from political issues.