It has been the most sought-after comedy role in Israel. Who would play David Brent in the country's upcoming version of The Office?

Now the Israeli production company has released news of the castings for its own version of the award-winning show - to be called Ha Misrad -– a direct translation of The Office.

In the David Brent role is Dvir Benedek, who, disappointingly will not be called Dovid Brent Cross, but rather Avi Meshulam.

Nor does he resemble Lord Sugar, whom Ricky Gervais suggested would make the perfect Jewish Brent. Benedek, who is shaven-headed and overweight, will not be bringing glamour to the offices of the Israeli Wernham Hogg in Yahud- which will no doubt be delighted to be named as the Israeli equivalent of Slough.

We will also be finding out if a chilled-out Israeli entertainer is in fact an oxymoron.

The Israeli version of receptionist Dawn will be called Dana, and played by Mali Levi.

Judging by her photo she will be adding a little more sex appeal to the role than did the hilarious Lucy Davis.

Questions remain, however. Will Yariv, the Israeli Gareth, drone on about his love of the army as much as his British equivalent, given that everyone in the office will have served in the military?

Is there an Israeli version of the pub quiz? And will the Israeli Tim have "Fisher Price hair"? Israeli audiences will find out in the autumn.