Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
Key Points
  • The Irish broadcaster RTE has stated that Ireland will refrain from entering Eurovision 2026 if Israel is permitted to join.
  • Organisers of Eurovision are still assessing how to handle participation and geopolitical challenges.
  • Both the Eurovision 2025 victor JJ and the president of Spain have advocated for Israel’s exclusion from the contest.
Ireland will withdraw from the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is permitted to join, according to Irish broadcaster RTE, asserting that participation would be “unthinkable” due to the Gaza conflict.
The recent Eurovision contests have faced criticism over Israel’s involvement due to its ongoing military operations in Gaza, which local health officials report have resulted in over 64,000 deaths.
Hostilities in Gaza intensified following an October 2023 assault by Hamas in southern Israel, which led to 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli statistics.
Israel has been a consistent participant in Eurovision as part of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which coordinates and helps produce the yearly competition.

RTE has noted that multiple EBU members expressed unease about Israel’s participation during a discussion in July.

“RTE believes Ireland’s involvement would be inconceivable given the severe and tragic loss of life in Gaza,” stated the broadcaster in an announcement.

Organisers ‘consulting’ on geopolitical tensions
The EBU said it understood the “concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East”.
EBU director Martin Green said in an emailed statement: “We are still consulting with all EBU members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Eurovision Song Contest.”

“Broadcasters have until mid-December to declare if they will partake in next year’s event in Vienna. Membership allows each broadcaster the choice to participate, and we respect any decision they reach.”

RTE said it was 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”.
Israel has denied targeting journalists in the enclave.
A final decision about Ireland’s participation in the 2026 competition will be made once the EBU makes its own decision on Israel, RTE said.

Ireland has participated in the contest since 1965 and won seven times, with only Sweden matching its record number of victories.

Spain and Eurovision 2025 winner also call for Israel’s exclusion
RTE’s announcement comes after similar calls for Israel to be excluded from the next Eurovision.
A singer performing on stage. A person is waving a Palestinian flag in the audience.

Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has overshadowed the event in recent years. Source: Getty / Harold Cunningham

Sánchez said “no-one was shocked” when Russia was asked to withdraw from such events after it invaded Ukraine.

“Therefore, Israel should not do so either,” he said.
“I would like the next Eurovision to be held in Vienna and without Israel,” the singer was quoted by Spanish newspaper El País as saying back in May.
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like

Unveiling the Secrets of Australia’s Deepest Lake: A Long-Awaited Discovery

Deeper than the Bass Strait, Lake St Clair is Australia’s deepest lake,…
Police have released an image of the stolen bikes in the hope anyone who was in the area at the time recognises them and can come forward with information.

Outrage as Search Intensifies for Duo Responsible for Vicious Assault and Theft on Young Boys

Police are hunting for two males who allegedly assaulted a 13-year-old boy…

BBC Issues Apology to Donald Trump for Edited Documentary Speech

The BBC has apologised to Donald Trump for editing a speech to…

Are Beach Warnings Falling Short for International Visitors Amid ‘Crushing Waves’?

Australia’s beaches continue to pose fatal risks to overseas-born people, with a…
Who else has been name-checked in the Epstein email trove?

Revealed: New High-Profile Figures Named in Latest Jeffrey Epstein Email Leak

Disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s web of high-profile connections grows…

Israel Confirms Identity of Deceased Hostage Repatriated by Hamas

The Israeli military said it received the remains of one of the…
Severe thunderstorms sweep across south-east Queensland - and more to come

Intense Thunderstorms Batter South-East Queensland with More Expected

A significant portion of Queensland is gearing up for an intense weekend…

Australia’s Health Star Ratings Face Deadline and Pivotal Moment Amid Criticism

It was meant to make healthy choices simple, but nutrition experts say…
'Blob' of ocean could build to tropical cyclone as early as next week

Potential Tropical Cyclone: Ocean ‘Blob’ Poised to Develop Into Storm Next Week

Australia’s first tropical cyclone of the season could reportedly develop as early…
Dementia

Australia’s Leading Cause of Death Shifts: What You Need to Know in 2023

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, was responsible for more than 17,500 deaths last…
Yang Lanlan was charged after the crash with Kyle Sandilands' chauffeur George Plassaras.

Unknown Woman Appears in Court Following Rolls-Royce Crash Involving Kyle Sandilands’ Chauffeur

A prominent Chinese woman, accused of instigating a head-on crash with the…
Nerida Rosenthal pictured in hospital after the birth of her daughter Mia, who was stillborn.

Unveiling Australia’s Stillbirth Crisis: The Stagnant Rates That Demand Urgent Attention

WARNING: This article addresses sensitive topics such as stillbirth and infant mortality.…