"RTÉ's position is that Ireland will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel's participation continues, and a final decision on Irish participation will be made once the official decision from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is announced," RTÉ said in an official statement issued Thursday.
RTÉ Director General Kevin Buckhurst explained that Ireland's participation would be "morally unacceptable" in light of what he described as the "horrific loss of life in Gaza."
He added: "RTÉ is deeply concerned about the targeting of journalists in Gaza, the denial of international press access to the Strip, and the suffering of the remaining hostages."
The 70th edition of the competition is scheduled to be held in the Austrian capital, Vienna, next May, following Austrian singer JJ's victory in the previous edition in Basel, Switzerland. Ireland was represented in that competition by singer Amy and her song "Laika Party."
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Controversy has recently intensified over Israel's participation in Eurovision, with cities such as Basel and Malmö witnessing mass demonstrations during the 2024 and 2025 editions, protesting Israel's participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
RTÉ, along with broadcasters from Spain and Slovenia, has called for consultations with the European Broadcasting Union on the issue, and the EU has affirmed its commitment to dialogue.
The EU has given member states the option to withdraw without penalties until the end of next December.
It's worth noting that Ireland has participated in the competition since 1965, and has won a record seven times, making it one of the most prominent countries in Eurovision history.
