“Death to the IDF” was heard blaring from a car’s stereo in Oxfordshire after the controversial Bob Vylan Glastonbury appearance.
Eddie Reeves said he heard the chant, which now faces police action, coming from a car in Banbury on Sunday afternoon, June 30.
The ward councillor for Deddington and Conservative leader said it is a “sad state of affairs” to hear it.
Mr Reeves said: “My overriding reaction to hearing ‘death, death to the IDF’ being played in Banbury town centre on a Sunday afternoon was one of profound sadness.
“How does the expression of such a view advance the causes of peace in the Middle East and improved community relations here in Oxfordshire?
(Image: NQ)
“Freedom of expression is a vital principle and I understand the need for artists to test societal boundaries, especially where emotive subjects such as this are engaged.
“However, there is a world of difference between criticising the Israeli and UK governments in the strongest possible terms, and inciting violence – or appearing to incite it – within earshot of women and children.
“We cannot live in a world where arguing for violence is applauded or condoned when one happens to agree with a political cause, and crying wolf when one opposes it.
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“It is either permissible to utter and repeat such sentiments or it isn’t. In my judgement, it is an abuse of freedom of speech to use such language.”
Rapper Bobby Vylan – of the rap punk duo – led crowds at Glastonbury’s West Holts Stage in chants of “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)”.
Following the performance, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticised the chants as “appalling hate speech”.
On Monday, broadcasting regulator Ofcom said it is “very concerned” about the live stream on the BBC.
Avon and Somerset Police said it is assessing videos of comments made to decide whether any offences may have been committed.
Mr Reeves added: “None of this misery [happening in Israel and Palestine] will be lifted by people in the west casually politicising the conflict from without and driving a wedge between moderates on either side of the debate, whether at home or abroad.
“It is lawful, even beneficial, to criticise government policies in a democratic society, but we should always stop short of advocating or turning a blind eye to violence.”
In a statement posted to Instagram, Vylan said: “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.
“As we grow older and our fire starts to possibly dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.”
