Eurovision 2026: Ireland ready to boycott if Israel takes part, is the contest facing a historic crisis?”

Ireland has announced that it may withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate. The public broadcaster RTÉ confirmed this position in a statement, explaining that in the current context, Irish participation would be “unconscionable” as long as the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains so dire.

According to RTÉ, this decision is motivated by several factors. First, the high number of civilian casualties caused by the war in Gaza represents, in its view, a reality that cannot be ignored. The broadcaster also highlighted the troubling situation of journalists on the ground, some of whom have been killed or prevented from working freely, and it denounced the lack of access for international media. For RTÉ, continuing to take part in a celebratory contest under such conditions would raise issues of conscience and credibility.

This stance is not an isolated one. Other European broadcasters have already expressed similar concerns and may also reconsider their participation. In response to this pressure, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, has extended the deadline until December for countries to withdraw without financial penalties. This gives national broadcasters time to evaluate their position depending on the final decision regarding Israel.

The consequences of such a boycott would be significant. Beyond Ireland’s absence from the competition, RTÉ has indicated that it could also choose not to broadcast the event at all, depriving the Irish public of a show that is followed each year by millions of viewers across Europe. This possibility raises a broader debate about the role of culture and entertainment in times of political and humanitarian crises.

For Ireland, this choice also reflects a tradition of diplomatic and humanitarian engagement. The country has often taken critical positions regarding Israel’s actions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By threatening to boycott Eurovision, RTÉ is not only sending a symbolic message but also urging the EBU and other broadcasters to reflect on the values that a cultural contest watched by millions should embody.

As Eurovision 2026 is set to take place in Sweden, the winner of the previous edition, the question remains: can the event continue to present itself as “apolitical” if Israel’s participation provokes such deep divisions? One thing is certain: the EBU’s final decision will be closely watched, and it could mark a turning point in the history of the contest.