RTÉ has announced that it will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest "if the participation of Israel goes ahead".
In a statement released today, the broadcaster said that "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 Director General Kevin Bakhurst said that "RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages".
Speaking to reporters, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said he supports and respects RTÉ's decision.
While Mr Chambers said he was not aware of any contact between the broadcaster and the Government about the move, the minister said: "I think we’ve all been shocked over the summer to see the innocent killing of journalists who are providing objective information to the world about the genocide in Gaza and Israel’s activities and I absolutely respect RTE’s decision."
Eurovision director Martin Green said: "We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
"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 confirm if they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna.
"It is up to each member to decide if they want to take part in the contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make."
The National Union of Journalists Dublin Broadcasting Branch said it welcomed the announcement. In a statement, they said its members working in RTÉ supported the decision not to take part if Israel is included.
The Dublin Broadcasting Branch wrote to RTÉ last May calling on the broadcaster to oppose Israel's participation, citing concern at Israel's actions in Gaza and the unprecedented targeting and killing of journalists and media workers.
The Dublin Broadcasting Branch also said today that it "strongly welcomes RTÉ’s clear statement that it would be unconscionable for Ireland to participate next year" and believes the stance "reflects the views of staff working at the broadcaster, and those of the Irish public that we serve".
They also called on other European broadcasters to follow suit, and on the EBU to suspend Israel from the 2026 contest "as a matter of urgency".
The 70th anniversary edition of the contest is due to take place in Vienna, Austria next May after Austrian entry JJ won with his song Wasted Love in Basel, Switzerland earlier this year. Ireland was represented in Basel by Emmy, with her song Laika Party.
There has been growing controversy about Israel's participation in Eurovision, with large demonstrations held during the competition in the host cities of Basel earlier this year and in Malmö, Sweden in 2024.
Along with Spanish and Slovenian broadcasters, RTÉ had sought consultations with the EBU on Israel’s participation, and the EBU had committed to dialogue on the issue. Following a General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union in July, a number of members raised concerns about Israel taking part in the contest.
RTÉ said in its statement that it wished to thank the EBU for the extensive consultation process that was initiated on foot of that meeting, and the extension of the option to withdraw from participation without penalty to December.
Ireland has participated in the song contest since 1965 and has won the competition seven times.
