Eurovision: UK ought to withdraw if Israel takes half – Phil Coulter

Next yr’s contest can be held in May in Vienna.

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS introduced on Friday that it’ll additionally boycott subsequent yr’s contest if Israel is included.

Spain and Slovenia are contemplating comparable strikes, whereas a spokeswoman for the Finnish nationwide broadcaster stated a choice concerning the broadcaster’s participation in subsequent yr’s Eurovision can be “made in December”.

“Israel’s participation in Eurovision has been a significant topic of discussion in Finland,” she stated.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is tragic, and we sincerely hope for an end to the suffering as soon as possible.”

A spokesman for Iceland’s nationwide broadcaster stated its involvement within 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” and that they “reserve the right to withdraw from participation in it if the EBU does not respond satisfactorily”.

In a press release on Thursday, RTÉ stated: “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”.

It added: “RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages.”

Ireland has gained the competition seven occasions in whole, most not too long ago in 1996.