Ireland will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel take part, RTÉ has stated.

In a statement issued on Thursday, RTÉ said: “At the General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in July, a number of EBU members raised concerns about the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest.

“RTÉ wishes to thank the EBU for the extensive consultation process that was initiated on foot of that meeting, and the extension of the option to withdraw from participation without penalty to December.

“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 EBU’s decision is made.

Norwegian singer Emmy Kristine, known as Emmy representing Ireland with the song "Laika Party" performs during the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel on May 15, 2025. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) : Eurovision.

placeholder image — Norwegian singer Emmy Kristine, known as Emmy representing Ireland with the song "Laika Party" performs during the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel on May 15, 2025. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) : Eurovision.

“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.”