Director General says RTÉ won't pull out of Eurovision, regardless of Israel's participation

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst says the broadcaster "absolutely won't pull out" of Eurovision, even if Israel takes part in the song contest.

Speaking to reporters outside Leinster House this morning, Bakhurst said "we need to have a further discussion now, given the level of public concern."

RTE DG Kevin Bakhurst says RTE will “absolutely won’t pull out of Eurovision”

He wrote to the EBU seeking a discussion on Israel’s participation

He is in Leinster House to meet Oireachtas Media Committee chair and Labour TD Alan Kelly. Also expected to discuss the IT system pic.twitter.com/MvgTQzYamn

— Louise Burne (@louiseburne_) May 8, 2025

The comments followed a letter he sent yesterday to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), in which he asked for a "discussion" regarding Israel's participation in this year's song contest.

“I am appalled by the ongoing events in the Middle East and by the horrific impact on civilians in Gaza and the fate of Israeli hostages” said Bakhurst in the letter, as he confirmed that RTÉ has “asked the EBU for a discussion on Israel's inclusion in the contest.”

The announcement came after members of the National Union of Journalists wrote a letter calling for RTÉ to oppose Israel’s participation in the popular music contest, which is due to kick off in Switzerland on Tuesday, May 13.

Emma O'Kelly, chair of the National Union of Journalists Dublin Broadcasting Branch, explained their reason for sending Mr. Bakhurst the letter: “We collectively believe that there's a moral obligation on RTÉ and on the EBU to act to suspend Israel.”

Martin Green, the Eurovision director, previously said no participating EBU member has publicly opposed Israeli broadcaster Kan's participation in the event.

Green added that "we all aspire to keep the Eurovision Song Contest positive and inclusive and aspire to show the world as it could be, rather than how it necessarily is."

Israel is set to be represented in the contest by singer and survivor of the October 7 attacks Yuval Raphael.