the state-funded ariel center for the performing arts opened on november 8, 2010, with a performance of piaf by the beersheba theater company. these performances were boycotted by sixty israeli actors, writers, and directors, including joshua sobol, who refuse to perform in settlements. prime minister benjamin netanyahu, culture minister limor livnat and the leader of the kadima party tzipi livni condemned the boycott and proposed cutting government funding those participating in it. the boycott was supported by amos oz, david grossman and a. b. yehoshua, it was opposed by amnon shamosh, who suggested that the boycott plays into the hands of right-wing extremists by linking art and politics. 150 u.s. actors supported the boycott. however, five israeli actors later withdrew from the boycott, indicating that they changed their mind or thought the letter they were signing called for a discussion on the issue rather than outright boycott.