Ireland to boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel participation
Irish broadcaster RTÉ will not participate in or broadcast Eurovision Song Contest 2026 after EBU confirmed that Israel will be allowed to participate
The Irish broadcaster RTÉ has announced it will not participate in or broadcast Eurovision 2026 after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed Israel’s participation.
RTÉ had earlier declared that Ireland’s participation would be conditional on the outcome of the EBU decision regarding Israel. The broadcaster now states that under the current circumstances — including the humanitarian situation in Gaza and concerns over press freedom — competing in or airing Eurovision 2026 would be unacceptable.
With RTÉ’s withdrawal, Ireland will not take part in next year’s Contest. The decision adds to the growing number of broadcasters pulling out in protest at the inclusion of Israel, following similar moves by other countries.
RTÉ’s statement reflects deep concerns about human rights, media freedom, and the ethical implications of participating while Israel remains in the Contest. The broadcaster emphasises that Ireland’s exit follows a “careful and thoughtful” process, aligning with RTÉ’s values.
Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest
Ireland holds the record for the most victories in the Eurovision Song Contest together with Sweden: Seven victories! Six of these victories were in the '80s and '90s:
- 1970: Dana – All Kinds Of Everything
- 1980: Johnny Logan – What's Another Year
- 1987: Johnny Logan – Hold Me Now
- 1992: Linda Martin – Why Me
- 1993: Niamh Kavanagh – In Your Eyes
- 1994: Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan – Rock 'n' Roll Kids
- 1996: Eimear Quinn – The Voice
Ireland has been part of Eurovision since 1965, with 58 appearances since then. They have qualified for the Grand Final 9 out of 21 times since the introduction of the Semi-finals in 2004. They finished last in their Semi-finals in 2019 and 2021.
