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RTÉ, the Irish broadcaster, has taken a firm stance against participating in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel also takes part. They expressed that Ireland’s involvement would be morally unacceptable in light of the ongoing violence in Gaza. With a history of winning the competition seven times, Ireland’s decision to abstain reflects a strong ethical position on the matter. The final call on their involvement will hinge on the decision of the European Broadcasting Union, the organizers of Eurovision.
A similar sentiment has been echoed by Slovenia’s national broadcaster, RTVSLO, who declared their withdrawal from the competition should Israel be allowed to participate. Spain’s Culture Minister indicated a potential boycott by their country in solidarity with this stance. Iceland’s national broadcaster, RÚV, also awaits the EBU’s decision before deciding on their involvement in the 2026 contest, contingent upon Israel’s participation. The broadcasters’ refusal highlights a growing trend of moral conscientiousness within the Eurovision community.
RTÉ articulated their concerns over the recent targeted killings of journalists in Gaza, the restricted access for international journalists, and the dire situation of remaining hostages. They previously approached the EBU for a discussion regarding Israel’s inclusion, citing the distressing events unfolding in the Middle East as a factor. Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ’s director general, condemned the violence in Gaza and emphasized the broadcaster’s commitment to unbiased reporting amid the conflict. The pressure on Israel’s public service broadcaster, Kan, from their government was also acknowledged.
In a show of solidarity, over 70 former Eurovision contestants penned a letter urging the organizers to exclude Israel from the 2025 competition. This united front reflects a broader ethical consideration within the Eurovision community regarding participation in the event. The forthcoming decisions of RTÉ, along with other national broadcasters, will be closely watched as the debate around Israel’s involvement in Eurovision intensifies
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