Israel is the latest country to photocopy The Office

Dvir Benedek has been touted for the role since last year

The Israeli version of The Office has been unveiled and it features an Arab character described as "intelligent and gentle".

Israeli actor Dvir Benedek takes over the David Brent character, first portrayed by Ricky Gervais.

The show, created by Gervais and Stephen Merchant, will be named Super Office and set in Yahud, near Tel Aviv.

The Office has been remade in France, Russia and the United States, where it was a big hit, starring Steve Carell.

In the Israeli version, David Brent becomes Avi Meshulam, while Gareth becomes Yariv and Tim and Dawn become Yossi and Dana.

I am thrilled and amazed that Israel are making The Office with local writers, directors and actors... I mean, who ever heard of Jewish entertainers? Ricky Gervais

The show also includes Abed, described as "an intellectual Arab with a gentle soul", and Abba, who is a member of the Ethiopian Jewish community.

Gervais said: "I am thrilled and amazed that Israel are making The Office with local writers, directors and actors.

"I mean, who ever heard of Jewish entertainers?" he joked.

The original version of The Office has been shown in more than 70 countries.

The latest incarnation of The Office coincides with the annual BBC Showcase event, which sees more than 500 international television buyers come to Brighton to view the cream of British television.