The Irish broadcaster, RTÉ, has said it will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead.
In a statement, RTÉ said that Ireland's participation in the event would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.
Ireland has won the contest seven times in total, most recently in 1996.
RTÉ will make a final decision once the Eurovision organisers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), makes its decision.
Next year's contest will be held in May in Vienna.
Slovenia's national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has also said it will withdraw from the competition if Israel participates.
Spain's Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has said that his country may also not take part should Israel participate.
Stefán Eiríksson from Iceland's national broadcaster RÚV said its involvement in the 2026 contest was subject to the outcome of the ongoing consultation process within the EBU, due to the participation of the Israeli state broadcaster KAN in the competition.
RTÉ's statement further emphasized concerns over the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza and the plight of the remaining hostages.
Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, stated that the EBU is consulting with all its members to manage participation amid these geopolitical tensions, with deadlines for broadcasters to confirm their participation in mid-December.
Earlier this year, more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter calling on the organisers to ban Israel from the 2025 competition. Frank Dermody, Chair of the Irish Eurovision Fan Club, supported RTÉ's decision as necessary amid the ongoing conflict.
