Ireland to pull out of Eurovision if Israel is a participant, says RTÉ

Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ, has decided not to take part in next year's Eurovision song contest if Israel is a participant.

- Lisa O'Carroll Sam Jones Madrid

RTÉ is the second of 37 broadcasters who took part in the event this year to have made participation next year conditional.

"It is RTÉ's position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision song contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead, and the final decision regarding Ireland's participation will be made once the [European Broadcasting Union's] decision is made," the broadcaster said in a statement.

"RTÉ feels that Ireland's participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, and the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages."

The decision will raise questions about its duty to be impartial as a public service news organisation.

Slovenia's national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has also said it will participate in next year's contest only if Israel is not involved.