Ireland pulls out of Eurovision 2026 after Israel cleared to compete

JJ from Austria stands on the stage with the trophy after winning the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

Ireland will not take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest — and RTÉ will not broadcast the event — after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed that Israel will be allowed to compete in 2026.

The EBU decision was taken at a meeting in Geneva today, where a majority of members agreed that a vote on Israel’s participation was not required.

RTÉ joins Public broadcasters in Spain (RTVE), Slovenia (RTVSLO) and the Netherlands (AvroTros) also confirmed they will boycott the contest in Vienna amid Israel's ongoing war in Gaza.

In a statement, RTÉ said its stance “remains unchanged” following the EBU announcement.

“RTÉ will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition,” the broadcaster said.

RTÉ said Ireland’s participation was “unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk."

It added that it remained “deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza” and the continued lack of access for international media.

Protesters outside RTÉ studios to support the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign in support of RTÉ's pledge to boycott Eurovision 2026 should Apartheid Israel take, and calling for RTÉ to go further and vote to expel Israel from the Eurovision at the EBU. Picture: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Germany and other supporters of Israel’s participation had cautioned that there would be consequences if the country — a four-time Eurovision winner — was excluded.

Today’s meeting came amid continued controversy surrounding Israel’s 2024 entry, which finished second.

Several broadcasters accused Israel of unfairly boosting its vote through paid advertising campaigns, allegations Israel strongly rejects as part of a “global smear campaign”.

The EBU last month introduced reforms aimed at improving “trust and transparency” in Eurovision voting. These include cutting the maximum number of viewer votes from 20 to 10 and encouraging audiences to support multiple countries.

Ireland has competed in Eurovision 58 times since 1965, winning a record seven titles. It has only missed two editions, in 1983 and 2002.