The Simpsons in Israel to be screened next week

Israel has welcomed America’s most famous yellow family in a new episode of The Simpsons to be released in the US next week.

Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen will star as an Israeli tour guide who takes Homer and Bart around Jerusalem, including a trip to the Western Wall.

During the episode, “The Greatest Story ever Doh’ed” Homer experiences “Jerusalem Syndrome” and becomes convinced he is the Messiah.

Producer Al Jean said Mr Baron-Cohen’s character would have political clashes with Marge Simpson.

He said: “"He's trying to get Marge to give him good grades on the comment card, and she goes, 'You people are pushy,' and he goes, 'What do you mean, you people? You try having Syria for a neighbor! What do you have - Canada?'"

He added: “This is an episode that all three religions will be equally offended by.”

The Simpsons has a regular cast of Jewish characters, including local celebrity Krusty the Clown, the son of the town’s rabbi, whose real name is Herschel Krustofsky. The show also featured an episode where the characters recreate stories from the Old Testament, including Bart as King Solomon.