Spanish broadcaster RTVE has said it will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel is allowed to to take part.

The news was announced on Tuesday (16 September), following a vote called by the broadcaster’s president, José Pablo López. Ten members of the 15 RTVE board voted in favour of a boycott, one abstained.

RTVE became the fifth broadcaster threatening to pull out of the contest , which is set to be hosted in the Austrian capital, Vienna.

A spokesperson for Ireland’s broadcaster, RTE, said on Thursday (11 September) that because of “the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza”, it would be “unconscionable” to take part alongside Israel.

“It is RTE’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead,”

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