Simon Cowell pulls out of judging duties in upcoming ‘X Factor Israel’ appearance

Simon Cowell has reportedly canceled his scheduled appearance as a judge on “X Factor Israel” amid tensions in the wake of the recent conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

"Of course he is bitterly disappointed – but it was a decision he had to take," added the source, who declined to say whether Cowell’s decision was related to the recent conflict between the Jewish state and Hamas. A representative for Reshet, an Israeli TV company that produces "X Factor Israel," told Variety that Cowell was canceling "for his own reasons."