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Azealia Banks Performs in Tel Aviv Draped in Israeli Symbols, Defying Boycott

The performance represents a reversal of her 2018 position during a period of organized boycotts led by No Music for Genocide.

Overview

  • Banks took the stage on October 9 at Tel Aviv’s Ganei Yehoshua wrapped in an Israeli flag, wearing a Star of David necklace, and appearing in a shirt bearing Benjamin Netanyahu’s name.
  • She told the crowd, “I love the Jews,” aligning her show with pro-Israel messaging she has promoted online since declaring herself a Zionist in June 2025.
  • The concert was among the few international shows in Israel since October 7, 2023, as many artists have stayed away under pressure from the No Music for Genocide campaign.
  • Her stance contrasts with 2018 remarks when she vowed not to return to Israel and made antisemitic comments about Jewish influence in entertainment.
  • Social media reactions were sharply critical, yet she continued to defend her position online and said she plans a Queen of Sheba costume for Halloween.