Ireland threatens to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel takes part in the contest.
Ireland’s state broadcaster RTE argues that Irish participation in such an event would be “unacceptable due to the continuous and tragic deaths in Gaza”.
Ireland has won this music contest seven times so far, most recently in 1996.
Ireland, along with Iceland, Belgium and Slovenia is calling for Israel to be excluded from Eurovision, arguing that its participation is not consistent with the contest’s moral standards. The move is a clear protest against Israel’s policy and accusations of vote manipulation during the Eurovision 2025 final.
Russia excluded, Israel stays?
Many artists and broadcasters, particularly from the Nordic countries and Ireland, accuse the Eurovision organisers of applying double standards – they point to the exclusion of Russia after its attack on Ukraine, while Israel remains eligible despite the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
What is the position of individual countries?
- Boycott side: Ireland, Iceland, Belgium, Spain, Slovenia
- Supporting side: Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Cyprus
- Poland has yet to confirm its position or its participation in Eurovision 2026
Doubts over the vote
Irish broadcaster RTE has officially demanded an audit of the voting in the Eurovision 2025 final – the country stresses a lack of transparency and fears Israel may have manipulated the scoring. Belgium and Spain are calling for the same. As in sport, an unclear result sparks controversy and the threat of a breakdown in cooperation.
