Ireland to Boycott 2026 Eurovision if Israel Allowed to Compete

DUBLIN, Sept 11, 2025 — Ireland has announced it will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, citing Israel’s war in Gaza and what it called the “appalling loss of lives.”

The decision was confirmed by national broadcaster RTE, which stated that participation would be “unconscionable.” Ireland, which holds the record for the most Eurovision wins, said cultural events cannot be separated from human rights and justice.

The move follows Ireland’s active role in backing South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Earlier this year, the ICJ ordered Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza.

Israel responded by closing its embassy in Dublin, while protests across Europe continue to demand Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision. Rights groups have praised Ireland’s stance, calling it a powerful statement of solidarity with Palestinians.