Sir Paul McCartney spends £1.5 million on security for Israel concert

Would the assassination of another Liverpool moptop be enough to kick off WWWIII? The only ones with the resources necessary to pull something like that off are the Alqaediranians, right?

A real peacenik of work, that Paul.

Sir Paul has even extended his security measures to his accommodation at Tel Aviv's five star Dan Hotel where he has hired three floors at a cost of around £70,000 Photo: GETTY

Sir Paul McCartney has spent £1.5 million on a 5,000-strong army of security guards ahead of his concert in Israel on Thursday night.

By Charlotte Bailey
Last Updated: 12:11PM BST 25 Sep 2008

Sir Paul, 66, has recruited the team, which includes police, officers from Britain's MI6 and agents from Israel's elite Mossad intelligence organisation, in the wake of death threats from Islamic extremists.

About 40,000 fans are expected to watch the ex-Beatle when he plays in Tel Aviv park this evening in honour of Israel's 60th anniversary.

However, Sir Paul has come under pressure from Arab campaigners to cancel the one-off gig over Israel's occupation of the West Bank and there have been reports of death threats from Islamic fanatics.

Now extreme right-wing Jewish groups are also threatening to disrupt the concert to protest against British "anti-Semitic elements".

Sir Paul, who arrived in Israel yesterday, has even extended his security measures to his accommodation at Tel Aviv's five star Dan Hotel where he has hired three floors at a cost of around £70,000.

Twenty-one suites have been taken up, including the Royal Suite, where he will be staying with partner Nancy Shevell.

A source told the Daily Mirror: "No-one is taking anything for granted. The level of security is unlike anything we've seen. Everything is being done to ensure that this passes peacefully and without incident.

"Only security and a handful of Macca's entourage will be near him. Everything is tailored to ensure he is 100 per cent safe."

It is 43 years since Israel's government banned The Beatles from playing there amid fears the band would corrupt young fans.

But earlier this year, Ron Prosor, Israel's ambassador to the UK, visited Liverpool and apologised to the band.

Sir Paul has been defiant in the face of calls to cancel the gig and told newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth: "I refused. I do what I think, and I have many friends who support Israel."

However, Muslim cleric Omar Bakri, who has been banned from the UK, was quoted by the Sunday Express as saying: "If he values his life Mr McCartney must not come to Israel."

On his arrival yesterday, Sir Paul toured the West Bank town of Bethlehem and visited the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.

In the basilica, one of the oldest places of worship in Christendom, Sir Paul was handed a candle to light before he descended into the Grotto, the subterranean chamber where Mary is believed to have delivered Jesus.

Lighting the candle Sir Paul said: "This candle is for peace for all people all around the world, especially in Israel and Palestine."