IDF has the X Factor for Simon Cowell

The event is understood to have raised around $20m in total for the IDF.

Lionel Richie also performed for the 1,200 guests. The audience included serving Israeli soldiers.

Mr Saban said Los Angeles' Jewish and Israeli communities "appreciate and embrace the soldiers of the IDF, and will continue to do everything in order to give thanks to them and strengthen them in whatever is needed".

Mr Cowell has previously spoken of his Jewish roots and work with communal charities in Britain. Last year he told a Norwood dinner: “My dad is Jewish. He never told me or my brother or his wife. It’s in my blood and drew me to the charity.”