'Unconscionable' - RTÉ threatens to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates

RTÉ has confirmed it will not participate in next year's Eurovision in Vienna if the Israeli public service broadcaster is allowed to compete.

In the latest update on Ireland’s potential participation in Eurovision 2026, the national broadcaster says the final decision remains uncertain but that withdrawal is a strong possibility.

This comes amid speculation that Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, The Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal are considering an official withdrawal from Eurovision if Israel is allowed to compete.

In a statement, issued at lunchtime this Thursday, a spokesperson for RTÉ said: “It is RTÉ’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead, and the final decision regarding Ireland’s participation will be made once the EBU’s decision is made.” 

The update comes after a General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in July saw a number of EBU members raise concerns about the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest. 

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The EBU is an alliance of public service media organizations in countries within the European Broadcasting Area or who are members of the Council of Europe. 

Along with Spanish and Slovenian broadcasters, RTÉ had sought consultations with the EBU on Israel's participation, and the EBU had committed to dialogue on the issue.  

This came after growing controversy about Israel's participation in Eurovision, with large demonstrations held during the 2025 competition in Basel ahead of the live shows. 

An RTE spokesperson has thanked the EBU for “the extensive consultation process that was initiated on foot of that meeting, and the extension of the option to withdraw from participation without penalty to December.” 

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst said: “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, and the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages.” 

Ireland did not feature in the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final after ‘Laika Party’ by Emmy, failed to qualify from the second semi-final. Ireland finished 6th in 2024 with ‘Doomsday Bloom’ by Bambie Thug.