Musician Elvis Costello has sparked anger in Israel by canceling gigs there because of the supposed “humiliation and intimidation” of Palestinians, Sky News reported Tuesday.
The “She” singer said on his website that he was axing tour dates after “considerable contemplation.”
He condemned what he described as “despicable acts of violence perpetrated in the name of liberation.”
“I must believe that the audience for the coming concerts would have contained many people who question the policies of their government on settlement and deplore conditions that visit intimidation, humiliation or much worse on Palestinian civilians in the name of national security,” Costello added.
Costello is the latest star to call off planned performances in Israel. Rock guitar legend Carlos Santana and singer Gil Scott-Heron have also scratched dates.
Costello said he had no choice but to call off his tour.
“If these subjects are actually too grave and complex to be addressed in a concert, then it is also quite impossible to simply look the other way. Sometimes a silence in music is better than adding to the static and so an end to it,” the musician added.
The decision was swiftly condemned by the Israeli government.
Israeli sport and culture minister, Limor Livnat, dismissed the move, saying: “An artist who boycotts his fans in Israel is not worthy of performing in front of them.”
Israel is fighting growing calls for cultural and academic boycotts aimed against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.