Ireland will not take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, with the state broadcaster declaring its involvement would be “unconscionable” given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.
Recent editions of Eurovision have been overshadowed by opposition to Israel’s participation in the contest over its continuing military assault on Gaza, which has killed more than 64,000 people, according to local health authorities.
The current conflict was sparked after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas militants that killed 1200 people and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
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Israel has taken part in Eurovision as a longtime member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises and co-produces the annual event.
Ireland’s RTE said a number of EBU members had raised concerns about Israel’s taking part during a meeting in July.
Slovenia has issued the same threat, while Spain is considering following suit in what could become a significant boycott of the popular European singing competition.
The Irish state broadcaster’s strong stance reflects growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the organisation stating participation alongside Israel would be morally untenable.
The EBU said it understood the “concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East”.
“We are still consulting with all EBU members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Eurovision Song Contest,” director Martin Green said in an emailed statement.
“Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna.
“It is up to each member to decide if they want to take part in the contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make.”
Ireland has taken part in the contest since 1965 and won seven times, with only Sweden matching its record number of victories.
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