Ireland will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, and RTÉ will not broadcast the event, after it was confirmed by the organiser that Israel can partake. “RTÉ will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition,” the broadcaster said. Ireland’s participation “remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there”, RTÉ said. Israel’s participation in the annual song contest has been a source of criticism from pro-Palestinian activists in recent years due to Israel’s assault on Gaza since the October 7th attacks by Hamas. Israel’s president Isaac Herzog said he hopes the contest will continue to champion culture, music and friendship between nations.
