Having arrived in Israel yesterday, Sir Paul McCartney is standing strong amidst continuing threats by both Muslin and Jewish extremists that they are intent on violently disrupting his Friendship First Concert in the country tonight.

Upon his arrival at the airport, McCartney was met by a horde of fans, to whom he signalled a peace sign.

"Sir Paul might have to run the gauntlet of threats but his fans in Israel are desperate to see him," said a source.

To ensure that the former Beatle remains safe during his visit, security "tighter than a state visit by the US president" has been organised, with a team of some 5000 security people doing their utmost to keep any possible danger at bay.

The 66-year-old singer and his partner, Nancy Shevell, are staying in Tel Aviv’s five star Dan hotel, with three floors of the hotel having been hired for £70,000.

"Only security and a handful of Macca's entourage will be near him," explained a source of the incredibly tight security.

"Everything is tailored to ensure he is 100 per cent safe."

Initial threats aimed towards McCartney came from, amongst others, fundamentalist cleric Omar Bakri Mohammed, who warned: "We have what we call sacrifice operatives who will not stand by while he joins in a celebration of their oppression.

"If he values his life, Mr McCartney must not come to Israel. He will not be safe here."

Bakri (48) was banned form entering the UK following suicide bombing attacks in the country by members of the Islamist organisation he formed, called Al-Muhajiroun.

Also, extremist Jewish activist Itamar Ben-Gvir candidly stated: "We are going to disrupt McCartney's concert."

McCartney responded to these threats in a statement by saying: "I was approached by different groups and political bodies who asked me not to come here. I refused. I do what I think and I have many friends who support Israel.

"The world knows about the conflicts that have been in that region and I like to think that, if I go to a place, it becomes evident that my message is a peaceful one and I hope the idea will spread.

"People ask this question through the years: 'Do you think music can change things?'

"I think it can."