Ireland, Spain and Slovenia boycott Eurovision coverage over Israel’s participation

Ireland's boycott is the latest in a series of moves that has seen the country at odds with Israel over its war in Gaza.

Protesters in Ireland last year, prior to RTÉ's announcement the country would not be taking part in the 2026 Eurovision Song ContestLast year, five nations’ broadcasters announced they were withdrawing from the Eurovision Song Contest in solidarity with Palestine, after bosses confirmed that Israel would be invited back in 2026.Ireland was the first to withdraw in the immediate aftermath, followed by Spain, The Netherlands and Slovenia, with Iceland becoming the fifth around a week later.This year’s song contest is now about to get underway with the first live semi-final on Tuesday night, with three of the five boycotting nations not airing any coverage of Eurovision in 2026.On Thursday, Ireland’s RTÉ will show a special episode of the travel show The End Of The World With Beanz featuring former Eurovision champion Niamh Kavanagh.In place of Saturday’s live final, meanwhile, they’ll be reairing an old episode of Father Ted centred around the Eurovision Song Contest.A classic episode of Father Ted will air on RTÉ on Saturday night in place of the usual Eurovision finalFather Ted creator Graham Linehan has became a prominent voice in the anti-transgender movement in recent years, and is also staunchly pro-Israel.He has lambasted the decision to re-air the Father Ted episode in place of Eurovision, describing the move as “a tool of antisemitic harassment” on X.It was already announced that Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV would be dedicating their Saturday night scheduled to platforming Palestinian artists and creators, while Spain’s RTVE has put together its own alternative musical celebration called The House Of Music.Back in February, Spain went ahead with its Eurovision selection show Benidormfest, changing the prize from a spot at the international song contest to a cash prize.Eurovision will take place in Basel, Austria last year following JJ's win in 2025Meanwhile, The Netherlands and Iceland will air Eurovision 2026 as planned, despite not taking part themselves.Eurovision director Martin Green said in response to Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland’s choice to pull out of the 2026 contest: “All of us here respect their position and decision. We will continue to work with them as friends and colleagues in the hope they return to the contest soon.MORE EUROVISION:Eurovision Responds To Claims Israel Could Leave Contest To Compete In Asian VersionEurovision Issues Formal Warning After Israel’s ‘Vote 10 Times’ Campaign VideoBoy George Defends His Decision To Compete At Eurovision 2026 Despite Boycott Calls

The three European countries are boycotting the popular song contest over Israel's participation in it. More countries have said they won't be taking part.

The public broadcasters for Spain, Ireland and Slovenia said Monday they will not show the 70th anniversary Eurovision Song Contest this week, as they boycott the TV extravaganza over Israel's participation.The three countries, along with the Netherlands and Iceland, pulled out of this year's event in Vienna, which kicks off on Tuesday and culminates in Saturday's grand final.

Spain, Ireland and Slovenia will not broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest when the grand final event takes place on Saturday, doubling down on their refusal to participate in the competition in protest over Israel's inclusion. Slovenian broadcaster RTV will instead show the programme series "Voices of Palestine" while Ireland will broadcast a Eurovision-themed episode of the Irish-made sitcom "Father Ted".

RTÉ and other public service broadcasters in Slovenia and Spain will not show the Eurovision Song Contest this week as they boycott the event over Israel's participation.