Seattle Seahawks DE Michael Bennett balks at Israel goodwill trip

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has decided to skip a goodwill tour of Israel next week with other NFL players, citing human rights concerns.

Bennett wrote "I will not be used" by the Israeli government in a statement Friday night on Twitter.

"I was not aware ... that my itinerary was being constructed by the Israeli government for the purposes of making me, in the words of a government official, an 'influencer and opinion-former' who would then be 'an ambassador of good will,'" Bennett wrote, in part. "I will not be used in such a manner. When I do go to Israel -- and I do plan to go -- it will be to see not only Israel but also the West Bank and Gaza so I can see how the Palestinians, who have called this land home for thousands of years, live their lives."

Fellow Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril was among the players scheduled to make the Israel trip. Other players scheduled to go are Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell, San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills, Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker and Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Dan Williams.

Denver Broncos running back Justin Forsett tweeted Saturday that he would not be going after being listed as part of the delegation.

An open letter from renowned musicians, artists and activists, among others, was posted Thursday on The Nation and asked the NFL players to "consider the political ramifications of a propaganda trip organized by the Israeli government that aims to prevent players from seeing the experience of Palestinians living under military occupation."

Israel's building on land claimed by the Palestinians has been an obstacle to the stalled peace talks.

The NFL players are scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday. An exhibition game involving the players is set for Feb. 18 in Jerusalem.