Broadcasters across Europe are preparing an online vote in November 2025 to decide whether Israel’s broadcaster, Kan, should be expelled from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ has taken a strong stance: it says Ireland will not take part in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is permitted to participate. RTÉ describes participation under those conditions as “unconscionable” given the “ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”
RTÉ has also expressed concern about the targeted killing of journalists, the denial of access to international journalists to Gaza, and the plight of remaining hostages. The broadcaster will make a final decision dependent on what the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decides about Israel’s participation.
To ban Israel, a 75% majority among EBU members will be required. Several other countries—including Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland—have also threatened to boycott if Israel remains in the line-up.
Spain has officially joined forces with Ireland in threatening to boycott. Spain’s state broadcaster RTVE voted to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate, becoming the first of the so-called “Big Five” countries to do so. The “Big Five” are those countries (Spain, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom) that automatically qualify for the Eurovision final due to being the largest financial contributors to the EBU.
