US Revokes Bob Vylan’s Visa Over Chant Criticizing Israel

Washington (Quds News Network)- The US State Department has canceled the visas of British rap punk group Bob Vylan after the band’s performance at the Glastonbury Festival. The move follows lead vocalist Bobby Vylan’s chants of “Death to the IDF” during their Saturday set on the West Holts Stage as the Israeli army continues to massacre thousands of Palestinians in Gaza.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the decision in a post on X.

“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” Landau wrote. He accused the group of leading a “hateful tirade” and inciting violence.

The band was set to begin a US tour in late October. That plan is now canceled under the State Department’s visa revocation policy, which targets individuals, who criticize Israel.

During the show, Bobby Vylan also chanted “Free, free Palestine” and criticized the UK’s media coverage of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, a sea of people chanted along with him and raised the Palestinian flag. A large screen behind the stage read:

“United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict.’”

Video clips from the performance went viral and were praised by people on social media. In one, Bobby Vylan addresses the crowd:

“Alright, but have you heard this one though? Death, death to the IDF.”

The chant angered Israeli and zionist  officials.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the remarks, calling them “appalling hate speech.”

The Israeli Embassy in London said it was “deeply disturbed” by the rhetoric, which it called “inflammatory and hateful.”

British police confirmed they are reviewing footage of the performance to assess if any laws were broken.

Bob Vylan has not issued a formal statement since the visa cancellation.

Many praised the chant as a form of political protest against Israeli military crimes in Gaza. The Israeli army has killed over 56,000 people most if whom are children and women. It also continues to impose a siege on over two million people in Gaza, resulting in a severe famine that killed over 60 babies. The Israeli army has been documented demolishing houses for no reason and kidnapping and torturing dozens of civilian Palestinians, including children.