Three-time Eurovision winner Johnny Logan has said that Israel should not be allowed to take part in the song contest.

Speaking to RTÉ’s This Week programme, the Irish singer-songwriter said he was “proud” of RTÉ’s decision not to take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

“I really feel that in this case, RTÉ definitely made the right decision.

“I don’t think that Israel should be allowed to hide under the umbrella of the Eurovision… make it look as though, everything’s okay, business as usual, because it’s not.

“I think most people in Ireland would agree with that.”

Mr Logan welcomed the fact that the decision to withdraw was made before a song and an act was chosen.

He said that Eurovision is political when necessary, citing the example of Russia being removed from the contest over its invasion of Ukraine.

“When you have someone like Donald Trump describe Gaza as real estate, it’s appalling.

“There has to be a point where a voice is heard. It’s not okay.

“They did it with Russia in the Eurovision… they say that the Eurovision is nonpolitical but the reality of it is when it is necessary it becomes political.

“The Eurovision has been really good to me, but I do feel very strongly about it.”


Yuval Raphael represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2025

Mr Logan said that the European Broadcasting Union should not have allowed Israel to take part in the Eurovision this year.

“I think that the EBU should have made a decision regarding Israel, a decision removing them from the show and taking that decision away from individual countries.

“But being as it is. I really think that what Ireland, what RTÉ, have done is exactly the right thing to do.

“I support them 100%.”

Mr Logan said he thinks Israel should be “removed” from the Eurovision this year.

“And it’s not about the Israeli people, it’s about the people in charge of Israel, the governments that have been making these decisions.”

He added participation in the Eurovision was a relatively small issue, but added that Israel being allowed to take part “adds a kind of respectability to the way they’ve behaved”.

Mr Logan said other countries’ broadcasters should follow suit and boycott this year’s Eurovision.