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Elizabeth Grant, better known by her stage name Lana Del Rey, has stirred controversy after news broke that she will be performing in Israel for the first time this September. 

The American singer and songwriter is set to headline the Meteor Festival, which will take place in the Galilee region from September 6 to 8.

After receiving heavy backlash from supporters of the Palestinian cause, the artist defended her decision and claimed it is "not a political statement".

Countless social media users expressed their disappointment in Del Rey and addressed her with tweets asking her to cancel the performance. 

Additionally, Sydney-based Ahmad Merhebe launched a petition explaining why she should not perform in Israel. The petition has gathered over 1,260 signatures at the time of writing.

"Israel has been occupying Palestine since the forties, committing horrendous crimes against humanity ever since. Palestinians have been murdered in cold blood, tortured and raped by the IDF," Merhebe wrote.

"Ms. Grant, we ask you to cancel your gig in Israel in respect for all those who were killed defending their rightful land," he added.

In response, Del Rey took to Twitter to defend her decision...

In a series of tweets, she wrote that she understands people's concerns and acknowledges the "certain travesties that have occurred in Israel".

"We (Del Rey and her band) don't always agree with the politics of the places we play within or even in our own country," she wrote.

She went on to say: "Although I have deep sentiments over what is true or not true, right or wrong, I would like to remind you that performing in Tel Aviv is not a political statement or a commitment to the politics there."

Here's how people responded to the news:

Fans are beyond disappointed

And many are trying to convince her to cancel the show

"Don't participate in Israel's whitewashing"

"Nothing is more pathetic than valuing pop culture icons over humanity"

Many are mocking her statement

Sarcasm is in full force

People are reminding her of Israel's crimes

And insisting that her performance is a political statement

Fans got "Summertime Sadness" after reading her excuses

"It's so disheartening"