Ireland, Spain, Slovenia threaten Eurovision boycott over 'Israel'
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Ireland has described the participation as "unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”
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Hosts are seen on stage during the first semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, on May 13, 2025 (AP)
Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia have signaled they may withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if "Israel" is permitted to participate, raising the possibility of a major political clash within the competition, Anadolu reported.
The pressure comes amid mounting international outrage over "Israel’s" ongoing military campaign in Gaza, where at least 64,700 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, and where famine and humanitarian collapse continue to deepen.
Ireland: 'Unconscionable given loss of lives in Gaza'
In a statement, Irish public broadcaster RTÉ announced that Dublin will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if "Israel" is allowed entry, describing the participation as "unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”
The broadcaster also cited concerns about the killing of journalists in Gaza, restrictions on international press access, and the plight of captives, saying a final decision will be made once the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) issues its ruling.
Spain: 'Radical steps may be necessary'
Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun told broadcaster La Hora de La 1 that while the ultimate decision rests with RTVE, the government has already formally requested "Israel’s" exclusion.
He warned that if the EBU refuses, Spain could consider withdrawal. “Allowing Israel’s presence would normalize its role in international forums amid the ongoing Gaza offensive.”
Urtasun noted that drastic measures might be required to align Spain’s position with its solidarity with the Palestinians.
Slovenia: Eurovision participation conditional on solidarity with Palestine
On Friday, RTV Slovenija, the national broadcaster, declared that Slovenia will also boycott Eurovision 2026 if "Israel" competes, framing the move as an act of solidarity with Palestine.
The broadcaster had first raised this position during the EBU General Assembly in July, signaling its stance months in advance.
EBU decision expected in December
The EBU has extended the deadline for broadcasters to confirm their participation until mid-December. A vote on "Israel’s" eligibility is scheduled for the next assembly in Geneva on December 4–5.
The final outcome could determine whether Eurovision 2026 faces an unprecedented political rift, with some of Europe’s major participants refusing to take the stage.
