UK police probe Glastonbury performers chanting “death to the IDF,” as BBC faces outrage and global condemnation over antisemitic incitement.
British authorities have launched a full investigation into a chilling onstage outburst at the world-famous Glastonbury Festival, where the radical music duo Bob Vylan incited hatred by chanting “Death, death to the IDF” during a live performance. The duo’s remarks came as Israeli soldiers were heroically engaged in combat operations to dismantle Hamas terror networks in Gaza.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the probe on Tuesday, describing the event as a “public order incident” under review for possible hate speech violations. A man in his mid-30s — identified by British media as performer Pascal Robinson-Foster (Bobbie Vylan) — has already been interviewed by investigators.
The incident sparked a storm of condemnation across the UK and Israel. Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the chants as “repugnant and dangerous,” while the Israeli Embassy in London blasted the rhetoric as “incitement against Jewish soldiers defending their homeland.”
The controversy deepened when it emerged that the BBC continued to livestream the performance despite the antisemitic remarks. Initially, the broadcaster defended its decision, absurdly claiming the chant “did not constitute incitement to violence.” Facing public outrage, the BBC later issued an apology, calling the content “unacceptable” and acknowledging the remarks reflected “antisemitic sentiments.”
Adding insult to injury, Vylan later boasted about the episode during an interview on the Louis Theroux Podcast, saying, “I’m not regretful of it. I’d do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays.”
The fallout has been severe: the duo’s U.S. visa was revoked by the State Department, citing promotion of violence, and they have since been dropped from a European tour, a Manchester festival, and a major German venue.
Israel advocacy groups praised the swift response, stressing that “hate speech targeting the IDF is hate speech targeting Jews everywhere.”
As investigations continue, Britain confronts a stark reality — antisemitism has gone mainstream in parts of its culture, and the time for moral neutrality has long passed.
