Ever since Hamas' terror attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent military attack on Gaza, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) has been shaken by the political conflict surrounding Israel's participation.
The country has participated in the two competitions held since then, but especially in Malmö 2024, it caused major protests.
"Completely impossible"
Now Ireland is putting its foot down and wants to stop Israel's participation - otherwise, the Irish will stay away.
"RTE believes that it would be completely impossible for Ireland to participate given the ongoing and horrific killing in Gaza. RTE also views very seriously the fact that journalists in Gaza have been targeted and killed, that international journalists are denied entry and also the appalling situation for the remaining hostages," writes RTE in a statement.
EBU is required to provide information
Ireland is now demanding that EBU, the European radio and TV union, provide information before the country withdraws from next year's competition in Vienna.
"The final decision regarding Ireland's participation will be made when EBU has made its decision," writes RTE further.
The Irish public service company has previously, together with the Spanish and Slovenian TV companies, demanded that the issue of Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest be discussed within EBU, which was done at the organization's annual meeting in July.
But EBU has not yet made any decision on the matter.
"We understand and are aware of the issues that have been raised and the strong opinions that exist regarding the conflict in the Middle East. We are still consulting with all EBU member countries and taking into account views on how the geopolitical tension surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest should be handled," says ESC's top executive Martin Green in a statement to TT.
The countries have until mid-December to confirm whether they intend to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
"It is up to each member country to decide whether they want to be part of the competition and we respect the decision they make," says Green.
