RTÉ has stated it will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel remains in the competition.

In a statement issued on Thursday (11th September), RTÉ acknowledged that several EBU members had raised concerns about Israel’s involvement in the contest following discussions at the General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in July. RTÉ also thanked the EBU for opening an “extensive consultation process” and for extending the deadline for broadcasters to withdraw without penalty until December.

However, RTÉ made clear that Ireland’s continued participation depends on the EBU’s final decision regarding Israel.

“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”

RTÉ cited the humanitarian situation in Gaza as central to its position.

“RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” the statement continued. “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.”

The announcement places Ireland among the most outspoken broadcasters on the issue, as debate grows within the EBU about whether Israel should be allowed to remain in the competition amid the ongoing conflict.

In recent weeks, Slovenia’s public broadcaster RTVSLO indicated that it may withdraw from the contest, citing concerns that include Israel’s continued participation.

Iceland has also voiced misgivings. The chair of RÚV, the country’s national broadcaster, said there were significant reservations about Iceland competing in Vienna if Israel is allowed to take part.

Spain has joined the chorus of criticism at a political level. On La Hora de la 1, a morning news programme on Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE, Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun made a strong case for withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 should Israel remain in the competition.

The EBU is expected to announce its decision on Israel’s participation before the end of the year, after which RTÉ will confirm Ireland’s final position.