British police are reviewing whether to launch a criminal investigation after anti-Israel chants were made on stage at the Glastonbury Festival. Artists performing on the West Holts Stage, including Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan, made inflammatory remarks during their sets on Saturday, reports The Jerusalem Post.
A member of Bob Vylan shouted, “Death, death, to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defence Forces. Avon and Somerset Police announced they were “assessing video evidence” to determine if any offences had occurred that would warrant a formal investigation.
The Israeli Embassy in the UK expressed concern, saying it was “deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage.” Government figures also condemned the incident. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the chants as “appalling,” though he also criticised the Israeli government, urging it to address violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank:
“I wish they’d take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously,” he told Sky News.
Controversy had already surrounded Kneecap’s appearance. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was “not appropriate” for the band to perform at the festival. The group’s frontman, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert in 2023. He denies the charge.
A government minister also said Glastonbury organisers and the BBC, which is broadcasting the event, “had questions to answer” over allowing the performances to go ahead.
Photo credit: REUTERS/JAIMI JOY
More News
