Ireland threatens Eurovision boycott if Israel participates

Ireland has warned it will boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, state broadcaster RTE announced on Thursday. 

The broadcaster said it would be “unconscionable” to take part given the “ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”

RTE added that its stance reflects growing concern among member broadcasters, with a final decision resting on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is due to rule on the issue after discussions at its general assembly in July.

RTE Director General Kevin Bakhurst said: "RTÉ feels that Ireland's participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages".

Ireland, which holds the record for the most Eurovision wins with seven titles, said it could not ignore the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Its warning adds pressure on the EBU as other broadcasters also question whether Israel should be allowed to remain in the competition.

The announcement marks the most significant challenge yet to Israel’s place in Eurovision, long regarded as a cultural event that bridges politics and music, but increasingly under scrutiny amid the ongoing genocide.