The Irish Broadcaster Rté for the first time in a decade has announced a possible refusal to participate in the competition, which is associated with Israeli’s military operation in Gaza.
Ireland may have refused to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time for many years.
The RTé’s main broadcaster was announced that he was boycotting the anniversary of the 70th competition in 2026 if Israel was among the participants.
“The RTé’s position is that Ireland will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest of 2026, if Israel’s participation will take place. The final participation decision will be made after a decision made by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU),” the official statement said.
RTé CEO Kevin Bakherst explained that Ireland’s participation was “unacceptable” considering significant victims to gas civilians. He also mentioned the killings of journalists, avoiding international reporters in the conflict zone and the difficult situation of the hostages.
Ireland repeatedly expressed a sharp criticism of Israel’s actions. Earlier, with broadcasters from Spain and Slovenia, he turned to EBU with a request to consult this issue.
Earlier it was reported that Croatia was urging to remove the country that was conducting the war.
Eurovision-2026 will be held in Vienna
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Source: korrespondent
