Ireland’s Broadcaster Says Participation in Eurovision 2026 ‘Unconscionable’ if Israel is Included
DUBLIN – Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, has stated it would be “unconscionable” to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete, citing concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza. The statement follows a July general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) where several members raised concerns about Israel’s potential participation. A final decision rests with the EBU.
ireland, which has won Eurovision a record seven times, joins Spain in calling for Israel’s exclusion from the competition. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in May that Israel should be excluded, arguing against double standards given russia’s exclusion since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine: “Israel shouldn’t either because what we cannot allow is double standards in culture.”
The EBU organizes Eurovision in cooperation with national public service broadcasters like RTÉ, across more than 35 countries. Eurovision 2025 was held in Basel, Switzerland, after Austria’s JJ won the 2024 contest, securing thier hosting rights for 2026. Australia has participated as 2015, with Go jo performing “Milkshake Man” in the 2025 competition but failing to reach the grand final.
Recent reports indicate that Hamas has lost senior leaders and its military institution since October 7, 2023, but retains capacity to fight Israeli troops and remains the dominant force in Gaza.