On Monday, California-based folk artist Devendra Banhart canceled two Tel Aviv shows slated for this week. His decision to cancel the dates came just mere hours before his scheduled arrival in Israel. The concerts were scheduled for today and tomorrow at Tel Aviv's Barbie Club.

Banhart's cancellations come barely a week after The Pixies, Klaxons, Gorillaz, and Elvis Costello all canceled their own Israel gigs, for political and humanitarian reasons alike.

A message posted on the artist's MySpace reads: "We love the land and people of Israel, and have been looking forward to our third show there with unimaginable anticipation. Unfortunately, we tried to make it clear that we were coming to share a human and not a political message but it seems that we are being used to support views that are not our own. We will be overjoyed to return to Israel on the day that our presence is perceived and reported on as a cultural event and not a political one. We truly hope that day comes soon."

Reportedly, the producers coordinating Banhart’s show, Shrulik Einhorn and Shahaf Schwartz, said they were not only disappointed by the cancellation, but also “surprised by the timing, especially as the artist and his agents made it clear that a cancellation was not on their agenda and that they would be coming to Israel as planned.”

Ticketholders will be reimbursed and Israeli musician, Geva Alon, who would have been the opening act for Banhart, announced he will still be playing a free show at the Barbie Club on Thursday. Alon stated, “When we heard of the cancellation, we decided to take action. We're culture-loving musicians, not politicians."

Enjoy a free download of "Foolin'" from Banhart's most recent record, What Will We Be, below.