Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney has welcomed RTÉ’s decision to withdraw from the Eurovision if Israel are allowed to participate.
On Thursday, RTÉ announced that they would not take part in next year’s competition in Vienna if Israel were allowed to take part.
Israel’s participation in the Eurovision following the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023 has been controversial; pundits have noted a set of double standards that Russia were expelled from the competition following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but Israel were still allowed to participate.
State broadcasters from The Netherlands, Iceland, Slovenia and Spain have also threatened to withdraw if Israel are allowed to take part.
The withdrawal of Spain, one of the competitions “Big Five” owing to their net contributions to the European Broadcasting Union, along with the Netherlands, the sixth biggest contributor, would put pressure on the EBU to re-evaluate Israel’s participation in the competition.
Gibney said that she welcomed the decision from RTÉ, saying “it is an important signal within the EBU and beyond that we must refuse to art-wash genocide.”
“It is deeply shameful that this decision wasn’t reached ahead of last year’s competition – it was as clear then as it is now that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza.”
The Dublin Rathdown TD said “we cannot condemn Israel’s atrocities while still allowing its representatives to participate in international competitions like the Eurovision as if nothing is happening. “
“I hope that other media, arts, and sporting bodies will follow RTÉ’s example and push for concrete sanctions on Israel on the international stage.
“The EBU and its members must now reach a consensus regarding Israel’s participation and ensure that it will not be allowed to take part in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.”
Labour TD and arts spokesperson Rob O’Donoghue said “just as South Africa was isolated during apartheid, Israel must face consequences for its actions. Cultural boycotts are a powerful tool of solidarity, and RTÉ’s stance is a step in the right direction.”
SIPTU welcomed the boycott, noting that Israel should not be allowed to take part after the killing of more than 60,000 Palestinians since the war started as well as Israel’s killing of journalists, aid workers and medical professionals.
SIPTU Services Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, said, “RTÉ has taken a principled and courageous position which reflects the deep concern felt by workers and communities across Ireland at the appalling humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
“This decision is consistent with the strong tradition of solidarity in Irish society and with our Union’s earlier calls for cultural institutions to act when fundamental human rights are being trampled upon.”
Kane said, “the targeting of journalists, the suppression of truth and the ongoing loss of civilian life cannot be ignored. By refusing to normalise participation in events that would whitewash such actions, RTÉ has sent a clear message that culture carries responsibilities as well as opportunities.”