Meta Description: Ireland threatens to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate, due to the conflict in Gaza and humanitarian reasons, according to Irish RTÉ.
Ireland has announced that it will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate, according to Irish public broadcaster RTÉ. The decision is based on the ongoing conflict and humanitarian suffering in Gaza, where Ireland considers Israel’s participation “unacceptable”. Eurovision 2026 is due to be held in Vienna, Austria, but the conflict over participation risks creating a political rift in the event. Ireland is one of the most successful countries in Eurovision with seven wins, which makes the decision particularly notable.
Ireland’s threat of boycott
RTÉ’s stance and the background to the decision
RTÉ has expressed strong concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where a large number of civilians have lost their lives and journalists have been targeted. They cite Israel’s military actions and the situation in Gaza as reasons why sharing the stage with Israel at Eurovision is unacceptable.
RTÉ’s head of entertainment, Marianne Duff, has stressed that Ireland is ready to abstain from participation until the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) makes a decision on the issue of Israel’s participation.
The EBU’s role in the matter
The decision on Israel’s participation lies with the EBU, which organises the Eurovision Song Contest. RTÉ has urged the EBU to consider the seriousness of the situation and has reserved the right to withdraw if the EBU approves Israel’s place.
Reactions from other countries
Slovenia’s hesitation
Sloveniens nationella tv-bolag RTVS har signifierat en liknande hållning och antytt att man kan dra sig ur om Israel deltar, vilket tyder på att frågan kan påverka flera medlemsländer.
Situation in Spain and Iceland
Spanien har, genom kulturministern Ernest Urtasun, också uttryckt en önskan att ompröva sitt deltagande om Israel inkluderas i tävlingen. Urtasun kritiserar att Israel normaliseras i evenemanget med tanke på den rådande konflikten i Gaza.
Iceland’s public broadcaster RÚV has stated that it is awaiting the EBU’s decision and reserves the right to withdraw if the situation is not handled satisfactorily.
Eurovision and politics – a complex relationship
The crossroads of culture and politics
Eurovision ses ofta som ett kulturellt evenemang som förenar länder, men den politiska konflikten kring Israel och Gaza visar att globala frågor ibland påverkar evenemangets dynamik. Irlands beslut och liknande hot från andra länder belyser hur politiska ståndpunkter kan slå igenom inom det musikaliska rampljuset.
Historically successful countries and their importance
Ireland’s long-standing success with seven wins, including four in a row in the 1990s, makes the country’s decision to boycott Eurovision a significant one. A possible Iranian boycott could affect the contest’s credibility and guaranteed participation.
RTÉ’s expressed concerns and humanitarian arguments
Journalist murder and suffering in Gaza
RTÉ has specifically pointed out that several journalists have been killed while reporting from Gaza, and that international journalists are denied access to the area, making it difficult to scrutinise. This situation reinforces Ireland’s decision to distance itself from the competition if Israel participates.
Hamas prisoners and hostages
In addition to the humanitarian aspects, RTÉ also highlights the difficulties surrounding the Palestinian prisoners and hostages held by Hamas, which further complicates relations in the region and contributes to Irish skepticism regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
Future prospects
Ireland, with its historically strong Eurovision presence, is now warning of a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel takes part. The backdrop is a humanitarian disaster in Gaza and a desire to mark the political situation in the region. Other countries, such as Slovenia and Spain, are considering similar measures, which could lead to a potential crisis for the international music circus.
The decision ultimately lies with the European Broadcasting Union, which must navigate the politically charged situation without losing the cultural and community focus of the contest. The future of Eurovision 2026 is uncertain, with culture and politics in stark contrast and influencing participation from multiple angles.
