Ireland says it will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is included

"Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they wish to take part in next year's event in Vienna. It is up to each member to decide if they want to take part in the contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make."

Protestors demonstrating against Israel's participation during the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 opening ceremony in Basel (Image: Getty)AFP via Getty Images

Earlier this year it was reported that the national broadcasters of Germany and Italy told the European Broadcast Union (EBU) that they will withdraw from Eurovision if Israel’s broadcaster, Kan, is excluded.

Switzerland and Austria also previously stated their support for Israel remaining in the competition, while Spain, Iceland and Slovenia, like Ireland, have been pushing for their removal.

Next year’s contest – which will take place in Austria – marks the 70^th year of the competition, which first took place in 1956, with just seven countries participating. By contrast, there were 37 countries in the competition last year. 

Explaining why Israel are included in the competition despite not being part of Europe, the EBU website says: “The Eurovision Song Contest is open to all members of the European Broadcasting Union which represents broadcasters from right across Europe and the Middle East.

“The Israeli public service broadcaster has been a member of the EBU since 1957 and has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for 50 years.”