• Ireland and the Netherlands will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete.
• Both countries cite the ongoing crisis in Gaza and loss of life as reasons for their potential withdrawal.
• Other nations, including Spain and Slovenia, are also considering exiting the contest if Israel participates.

Irish national broadcaster RTÉ has announced it will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is permitted to participate, stating, "Ireland's participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza." This position aligns with their ongoing concerns regarding the conflict and the treatment of journalists in the region, as reported by multiple sources (BBC, AA, Middle East Eye, TRT Global, Reuters, Al Jazeera).

Following Ireland's stance, the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS echoed similar sentiments, asserting they would also boycott the event, citing "ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza." The move is part of broader discussions among EBU members regarding Israel's participation, given the escalating conflict that has led to high civilian casualties in Gaza and increasing calls for accountability, according to reports from Reuters, BBC, Middle East Eye, and Al Jazeera.

Countries like Spain and Slovenia have also raised the possibility of withdrawing from Eurovision over Israel's inclusion in the event. Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has openly stated that normalization of Israel's role in international forums amidst the Gaza conflict is unacceptable, reinforcing calls for other nations to consider similar actions. Reports from AA and TRT Global detail how these discussions may affect the staging of the upcoming contest in Vienna.