The Latest Breaking News from Yuval Raphael

The announcement from RÚV comes a week after four other countries announced they were pulling out of next year's Eurovision in protest against Israel’s participation.

Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia have already announced that they will not take part

Eurovision is changing its voting system, following allegations of "interference" by Israel's government this year. Key changes include a cap on audience voting, the return of professional juries to the semi-finals, clearer rules around promotion of artists, and enhanced security safeguards.

Israel has been a participant in Eurovision, established after World War II to provide a forum for peaceful competition among nations, since 1973.

Hamas said Wednesday that "optimism" was prevailing in indirect talks with Israel aimed at ending the Gaza war, with the militant group submitting a list of prisoners it wants released in exchange for freeing Israeli hostages as part of an agreement.

Dublin's pro-Palestinian positions are rooted in Ireland's experience of the British occupation and anti-colonial policies, experts tell Euronews.

In a statement, director Martin Green said he did not want questions surrounding Eurovision voting to overshadow JJ’s win for Austria

Israel’s Eurovision entrant Yuval Raphael finished second to the Austrian singer in the 2025 contest

The contest this year was overshadowed by protests against Israel's participation for the second-consecutive year, fuelled by the ongoing war in Gaza