Ireland boycotts Eurovision for second year over Israel’s inclusion
Summary
Ireland has decided not to take part in or broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest for the second year in a row because of Israel’s involvement in the event. The Irish broadcaster RTE said this decision is due to the ongoing violence in Gaza and concerns about the humanitarian crisis.Key Facts
- Ireland is the second country, after the Netherlands, to boycott Eurovision over Israel’s participation.
- RTE, Ireland’s public broadcaster, cited the loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian situation as reasons for not participating.
- Ireland will not participate in or broadcast Eurovision 2026 for the second consecutive year.
- The Netherlands also withdrew from Eurovision 2027, saying the contest is no longer neutral because of Israel’s involvement in a military conflict.
- Eurovision organizers have said that countries involved in armed conflict are not allowed to host the contest.
- Five countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Slovenia, and Iceland, withdrew from Eurovision 2026.
- The 2026 Eurovision show had 132 million viewers, which was fewer than the previous year.
- Eurovision has been criticized for allowing Israel to participate while banning Russia due to its war in Ukraine.
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