Simon Cowell has withdrawn from a planned appearance on the new season of The X Factor in Israel "for his own reasons", a spokesperson has confirmed.
Late last year the 61-year-old was announced as the surprise new head judge on the show, which is due to begin its fourth season on national broadcaster Reshet 13 in the coming months.
According to Variety, however, Cowell has now decided not to proceed with the role after becoming concerned about escalating political tensions in the country.
In recent weeks Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a bloody conflict in Gaza, while prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to be ousted from office within days following the formation of a new coalition government.
Cowell is said to be "bitterly disappointed" that he is unable to take part in the show, which would have represented his first judging role outside of the UK and US.
The media mogul has room in his schedule this year after ITV cancelled Britain's Got Talent due to coronavirus, while the UK version of The X Factor remains off air with an uncertain future. body check tags ::
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