Ireland Threatens to Boycott Eurovision Over Israel’s Participation
Ireland has become the second country to make its Eurovision participation conditional on Israel being barred from the contest.
The country’s state broadcaster, Radio Television Ireland (RTÉ), announced that it will not take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna unless Israel is excluded. In a statement, RTÉ said it “feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.” The broadcaster also expressed concern over the targeted killing of journalists and the restricted access for international media in the region, as well as the plight of hostages.
Ireland joins Slovenia as the second country threatening a boycott over Israel’s involvement. Spain’s culture minister, Ernest Urtasun, has also indicated that Spain might withdraw if Israel participates, echoing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s call for Israel’s expulsion, similar to Russia’s removal over its war in Ukraine. Both RTÉ and Slovenian RTVSLO are reportedly in consultations with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision.
This year’s contest sparked controversy over the participation of Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael, who finished second despite receiving boos during the semi-final. Austria’s winner, JJ, also publicly called for Israel’s exclusion.
Ireland is tied with Sweden for the most Eurovision wins in the contest’s 69-year history, with seven titles. RTÉ first raised the issue with the EBU in May 2025, just days before the Eurovision finals in Basel, Switzerland. Spain’s RTV had requested a debate on the matter as early as April. Organizers have extended the deadline for broadcasters to finalize participation from October to December.
Martin Green, director of Eurovision, said the EBU recognizes “the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East” and is consulting with all members to address geopolitical tensions surrounding the contest.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 64,000 deaths since October 2023, with the UN reporting that 13.5% of children in Gaza face acute malnutrition due to restricted aid access.
