Israel’s President has cancelled the appearance of a local pop star at a high-profile event following the star’s release of a new song focusing on a fictional Arab who gets his kicks by stabbing Jews.

The office of President Reuven Rivlin said it was cancelling its invitation for Amir Benayoun to perform at next week’s event marking the expulsion and exile of Jews from Arab countries and Iran.

It said the sentiments expressed in Ahmed Loves Israel are “inconsistent with the responsibility required of the president’s residence”.