Artists at Glastonbury Denounce Israeli Crimes, Prompt Police Scrutiny

During a live broadcast on the BBC, rap punk duo Bob Vylan led chants demanding “death to the IDF (Israel Military)” and “free Palestine,” drawing outrage from pro-Israeli institutions.

A BBC spokesperson claimed the remarks were “deeply offensive” and announced the set would not be available on BBC iPlayer.

The Israeli embassy expressed alarm over what it called “inflammatory and hateful rhetoric,” while the UK government rushed to condemn the statements and pressed the BBC for an explanation of its editorial choices.

Glastonbury organizers issued a statement declaring they “do not condone hate speech or incitement to violence,” though the event has become an important venue for exposing Israel’s brutal military occupation and systemic oppression of Palestinians.

Bob Vylan performed on the West Holts stage shortly before Irish-language rap group Kneecap, whose member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, is facing charges for displaying Hezbollah’s flag—an emblem widely seen by supporters of Palestinian resistance as a symbol of legitimate defiance against Israeli aggression.

Kneecap’s defiant set included expletive-laden chants aimed at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who had earlier dismissed their appearance as “not appropriate,” revealing the establishment’s unease with artists speaking truth to power.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are reviewing footage “to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation,” underscoring the authorities’ determination to suppress voices challenging Israeli criminal conduct.

Ó hAnnaidh remains on bail following a recent court hearing in London.