RTE Will Not Broadcast Eurovision Because Israel Allowed To Compete

Thursday, 4 December 2025 17:53

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

RTÉ - along with public broadcasters in Slovenia, Spain and the Netherlands - had warned it would boycott the 2026 contest in Vienna if Israel were admitted, citing the ongoing war in Gaza.

RTÉ has confirmed it will not take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union ruled that Israel will be allowed to compete.

The EBU decision was made at a meeting in Geneva today, where a majority of members agreed there was no need for a formal vote on Israel’s participation.

RTE had warned it would boycott the 2026 contest in Vienna if Israel were admitted, citing the ongoing war in Gaza

The meeting also came in the wake of allegations that Israel improperly boosted its act during this year’s competition.

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