The BBC is to screen its first ever Israeli drama, it announced today.

The corporation said it had bought the crime series, Hostages from production company Armoza Formats.

The series, made up of 10 60-minute episode was previously shown on Israel’s Channel 10 and tells the story of a surgeon who is ordered to sabotage a routine operation on his country's leader .

Avi Armoza, CEO of Armoza Formats, said: “We are proud to represent the first ever Israeli series to air on the BBC, and believe that the BBC is the perfect home for this highly acclaimed drama.

“With its powerful universal storyline, and the success it has achieved in Israel, we look forward to continue bringing Hostages to the international market.”

The series was created by Rotem Shamir and Omri Givon, and produced by Haim Sharir.

The format was originally sold and remade for the US and CBS before it was aired on the Israeli network.

Armoza has also announced a French distribution deal for Hostages with Paris-based producer-distributor Ace Entertainment.

The series will be broadcast next year.