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Musician and songwriter Phil Coulter has advocated for the United Kingdom to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should Israel participate.
This stance aligns with that of Irish broadcaster RTÉ, which has indicated a potential withdrawal “given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”
Mr. Coulter expressed “100% support” for RTÉ’s prospective decision, asserting that both the UK and Irish populations are “disgusted by what’s going on in Gaza.”
Coulter’s Eurovision contributions include co-writing the UK’s winning entry, “Puppet on a String” (1967), later sampled by singer Jade Thirlwall.
The BBC has declined to issue a statement on the matter.
RTÉ’s final determination is contingent upon the decision of the Eurovision organizer, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
The Netherlands has also signaled a possible boycott, with other nations reportedly considering similar action pending the EBU’s ruling.
Nicky Stevens of Brotherhood of Man, the UK’s 1976 Eurovision winner, acknowledged her horror at the situation in Gaza, but expressed concern over the introduction of politics into the competition, deeming it “a shame.”
“Let’s all get together for one night and just focus on the music,” she stated.
Bambie Thug, Ireland’s 2024 Eurovision participant, echoed Mr. Coulter’s position.
“I fully support RTE’s decision to not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest and I hope this can set an example for other countries,” they affirmed.
Last year, Bambie Thug was among several contestants who reported a “tense” and “horrible” backstage atmosphere.
Following the grand final, Bambie Thug accused Israel’s national broadcaster, Kan, of “inciting violence” against them during its coverage.
Kan responded that the Israeli delegation faced an “unprecedented display of hatred” from participating countries and their representatives.
Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme, Mr. Coulter emphasized his strong feelings regarding Ireland’s non-participation if Israel is included, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“Musicians, songwriters and performers are human beings with consciences.”
“I think the only sensible thing and the only decent thing for RTÉ to do is to withdraw from the contest if Israel is allowed to perform.”
He argued a perceived “double standard,” noting Israel’s potential participation compared to Russia’s expulsion from the 2022 contest following the invasion of Ukraine.
“What’s the difference between that tragic event and what’s happening in Gaza?” Mr. Coulter questioned.
He further suggested the BBC should adopt a position similar to RTÉ and abstain from participation in next year’s Eurovision.
“I think it is a question of conscience, and as RTÉ have made this step – it reflects the feeling of the general public and I’m quite sure that throughout the United Kingdom people are equally disgusted by what’s going on in Gaza,” Mr. Coulter told the programme.
Asked later to clarify whether he meant the BBC should withdraw if Israel continues to participate, he affirmed.
Next year’s competition is scheduled for May in Vienna.
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced on Friday that it, too, will boycott next year’s contest if Israel is included.
Spain and Slovenia are reportedly weighing similar measures, while a spokesperson for the Finnish national broadcaster stated that a decision regarding participation in the 2026 Eurovision will be “made in December.”
“Israel’s participation in Eurovision has been a significant topic of discussion in Finland,” she said.
“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 national broadcaster said its involvement in 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 statement released on Thursday, RTÉ asserted: “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 further stated: “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 boasts seven Eurovision victories, most recently in 1996.
Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, acknowledged that the EBU “understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
He added: “We are still consulting with all EBU members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Eurovision Song Contest.”
“Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna. It is up to each member to decide if they want to take part in the contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make.”
Daniel Epstein-O’Dowd from the Ireland-Israel Alliance accused RTÉ of attempting to “set another frontier where Israelis, and particularly Jews, are not welcome.”
“This is about delegitimising the Jewish state and undermining Israel’s very right to exist,” he stated.
“When we speak about the spirit of the Eurovision, it is extremely disappointing to see that the first thing we look to do is to remove one of the only remaining spaces where people can express themselves.”
“We need a forum for people to come together.”
Earlier this year, over 70 former Eurovision contestants co-signed a letter urging organizers to bar Israel from the 2025 competition.
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