A row between artists and ultra-religious legislators over a modern dance routine in which performers strip down to their underwear is threatening to spoil the party for Israel's 50th anniversary.
The director of celebrations, Mr Doron Shmueli, said he would recommend cutting out the routine which enraged members of the National Religious Party (NRP) who attended a rehearsal of the Jubilee Bells show, the party's main event.
Mr Shaikeh Levy, head of the Israel Artists Organisation, called on all artists to boycott the 27 million shekel (£5.2 million) show if the dance segment is cancelled or altered under pressure from ultra-religious Jews. "This is an attempt to impose ultra-orthodox censorship," he said.
In the routine, members of the prestigious BatSheva dance company perform in a semi-circle to a song about the existence of one God. Men in the group take off articles of clothing until they are left with nothing but shorts or underwear. The women remain dressed in shirts and short pants.
The NRP and other religious parties are key partners in Mr Netanyahu's coalition.
Ultra-religious Jews are a minority in Israel but hold the balance of power in the Knesset and have used it to topple governments.