Ireland has joined a growing list of European nations threatening to boycott Eurovision 2026, with broadcaster RTÉ announcing it would skip the competition if Israel is allowed to participate.
“RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza, the Irish station’s statement reads: “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.”
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun have made similar threats, with the latter telling Spanish television that “if Israel once again takes part in the contest, measures will be taken” including possible withdrawal.
Israel’s Eurovision participation has sparked controversy since Hamas’s October 7 attack and Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza. Other countries are echoing Spain’s position as well.
Slovenia’s RTVSLO director Ksenija Horvat said her broadcaster will likely pull out, explaining “we realistically think that we will not be able to go to the Eurovision Song Contest” without changes. Iceland’s stance remains uncertain, though RÚV Director General Stefán Eiríksson suggested his country might join the boycott if Eurovision organizers ignore “these voices of concern.”
At this year’s contest in Basel, Switzerland, Israel’s Yuval Raphael finished second overall despite facing scattered boos during her performance. She won the public vote decisively with 297 points but ranked just 14th with professional juries. Security blocked multiple attempts by protesters to rush the stage during Raphael’s performance, though the incidents weren’t visible on the live broadcast.
After finishing her song “New Day Will Rise,” Raphael shouted “Thank you, Europe, Am Yisrael Chai!”
Last year in Malmö, Sweden, Israel’s Eden Golan also faced hostile crowds but still managed a fifth-place finish. She received the second-highest public vote total with 323 points, though professional juries ranked Israel 12th. Thousands of pro-Hamas demonstrators gathered outside the venue in protest.
Member broadcasters now have until mid-December to confirm their participation, with the EBU expected to announce its decision on Israel around the same time. Eurovision 2026 is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, after Austrian singer JJ won this year’s competition.
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