Eurovision organisers respond to countries threatening 2026 boycott over Israel’s inclusion.
The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have responded to numerous countries threatening to withdraw from the 2026 competition if Israel is permitted to compete.
On 11 September, Ireland’s broadcaster RTÉ released a statement stating that the country’s involvement in Eurovision 2026 would be “unconscionable” if Israel is allowed to partake, due to the “ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”
The statement explained that at a meeting in July, several members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had raised “concerns” about Israel being allowed to take part in next year’s music competition, which will take place in Vienna.
“It is RTÉ’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead,” the statement continued, adding that the deadline for countries to decide whether they wish to take part in the contest had been extended to December.
On Friday, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros concurred that Netherlands would also pull out of Eurovision 2026 should Israel still be in the competition. Other countries including Slovenia, Iceland, and Spain have also threatened to boycott the competition if Israel is included.
