Israel crisis grows at Eurovision
Following Slovenia and Spain, Ireland has also announced that it will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates in the contest. The decision to be made by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will determine the course of the process.
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The crisis is deepening ahead of Eurovision 2026. Irish state broadcaster RTÉ has announced that they will withdraw from Eurovision if Israel participates in the contest. RTÉ stated the reason for the decision as the “horrific ongoing civilian casualties in Gaza.”
In the statement, it was noted that the final position would be confirmed after the decision to be made by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
SLOVENIA AND SPAIN HAD ALSO SIGNALED WITHDRAWAL
Before Ireland, the Slovenian state channel RTVSLO also made a similar statement, announcing that they would not participate in Eurovision if Israel were included in the contest.
Spanish Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun had previously stated that his country's participation could depend on the decision the EBU makes regarding Israel.
ICELAND WAITING FOR A DECISION
Icelandic state broadcaster RÚV announced that they are waiting for the EBU's stance. The announcement emphasized that they reserve the right to withdraw from Eurovision “if a satisfactory response is not provided.”
RTÉ also expressed deep concern regarding the targeting of journalists in Gaza, the inability of the international press to enter the region, and the situation of the hostages.
EUROVISION 2026 IN VIENNA
Eurovision 2026 is planned to be held in the Austrian capital, Vienna, in May.