Banksy takes craft to Bethlehem

Graffiti artist Banksy has taken his spray paint and stencils to Bethlehem in Israel in hope of reviving the region's tourism industry.

So-called guerrilla artist Banksy has taken his craft to the Israeli city of Bethlehem in a bid to stimulate interest in the region and revive the tourism industry.

The city turned to the artist - whose subversive work has won him numerous celebrity fans - to decorate the security wall that encircles Bethlehem and go some way to dispelling the negative image that has resulted from Israel's conflicts with Palestine.

Among the images that Banksy has painted is a soldier being searched by a young girl and an olive branch-bearing dove wearing a bullet-proof jacket.

The display of the works has been timed to coincide with the opening of an exhibition of art by Banksy and others, which is also hoped to promote tourism.

Banksy, who has strived to keep his identity hidden from the art world, said that people interested in Bethlehem should come to the city to see it for themselves.

He added: "If it is safe enough for a bunch of sissy artists, then it is safe enough for anyone."

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