NFL star cancels Israel trip in solidarity with Palestinians

An American football player has withdrawn from a sponsored trip to Israel, accusing its government of trying to exploit him and citing sympathy for Palestinians.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett announced on Friday that he was pulling out of the state-sponsored visit, embarrassing Israeli officials who had said the trip was intended to improve the country's image.

"I will not be used in such a manner. When I do go to Israel… it will be to see not only Israel but also the West Bank and Gaza," Bennett said in a statement he posted on Twitter.

Citing the example of Muhammad Ali, and the late boxing legend's support for the Palestinians, Bennett said he too wants to be a "voice for the voiceless."

"I cannot do that by going on this kind of trip to Israel," he added.

Israeli Cabinet minister Gilad Erdan had earlier noted the "great importance" of the visit, saying it would counter "the false incitement campaign that is being waged against Israel around the world."

Tourism Minister Yariv Lavin had boasted that the players would become "ambassadors of goodwill for Israel."

In a separate Twitter post, Miami Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills indicated he also will skip the trip.

The delegation, which includes Bennett's brother Martellus of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, is to arrive Monday. Martellus Bennett is among a group of Patriots who say they will not join the team on a victory trip to the White House.

The visit will include stops at a hospital, the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and a meeting with the "Black Hebrews" a community of African Americans who live in southern Israel.

Last month, at least five "D-list celebrities" - as described by Israel's Haaretz newspaper - were invited to tour Israel as part of a new government public relations exercise.

Those who took part in the trip included actors Daniel Dae Kim from TV show Lost, Meagan Good from Deception, Sonequa Martin-Green and Kenric Green from The Walking Dead and Mark Pellegrino from Dexter.